31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – National Security
Mr. Ilan Berman emphasized that the United States is at a critical national security moment, facing three coordinated imperial adversaries: China, Russia, and Iran. Unlike past challenges, these powers operate complementarily, sharing the goal of undermining the post–World War II Western-led order.
- Russia: Seeks to restore its imperial sphere and influence, viewing past leaders like Stalin as flawed for granting too much autonomy. The Ukraine conflict is part of a broader strategy to reassert Russian power.
- China: Focuses on national rejuvenation and building an “empire of dependency” through Belt and Road initiatives, trade, debt leverage, and military positioning to expand global influence.
- Iran: Aims to be the geopolitical center of the Middle East, expanding its influence in countries like Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, combining economic, military, and informational tools.
He highlighted that these adversaries coordinate across military, economic, and information domains, including African engagement as a strategic front due to population growth and increased internet connectivity.
He warned that Western deterrence and logistics remain insufficient, citing NATO’s slow equipment transfers in Ukraine as a vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires treating these powers as a connected, strategic ecosystem, rather than isolated threats.
