Across developed nations, a new political landscape is taking shape, defined by the tension between scarcity and abundance. Challenges such as rising costs, delayed infrastructure projects, and declining industrial competitiveness highlight limitations in development and innovation.
These issues are exacerbated by trade disruptions and inadequate governmental capabilities. In response, a bipartisan movement focused on abundance seeks to increase the availability of essential re—including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and housing—while addressing the growing concerns of voters regarding affordability.
Abundance serves as both an objective and a framework for overcoming the regulatory and capacity-related barriers that restrict supply. While discussions have largely centered on domestic matters like zoning regulations and permitting processes, the success of these initiatives hinges on international flows of goods, capital, knowledge, and energy.
Many constraints on supply originate from abroad, necessitating the use of trade, diplomacy, and international economic policy to address them. Therefore, a foreign policy centered on abundance is vital for success, both within the United States and among its allies and partners, and potentially for supporting global public goods.
The Pillars of a Foreign Policy of Abundance
Pursuing a foreign policy of abundance involves addressing two critical questions:
- How can international economic and diplomatic strategies contribute to greater abundance domestically?
- How can domestic abundance strengthen national influence and leverage on the global stage?
Abundance can facilitate various objectives, from enhancing the quality of life through improved housing and infrastructure to bolstering the defense capabilities of allies and strengthening U.S. competitiveness against nations like China.
These goals share a common thread: the infrastructure, energy, and technology challenges that shape modern life transcend national borders, requiring collaborative solutions. In an era of heightened competition, the capacity to build and innovate rapidly and affordably becomes a significant strategic advantage.
Historically, progress within the U.S. has often been driven by external pressures. Wartime mobilization during World War II and initiatives during the Cold War spurred breakthroughs in areas such as industrial capacity, semiconductor technology, and satellite communications, which enhanced U.S. competitiveness and transformed the global economy.
However, the institutions and policies that could further this progress are currently facing challenges. A renewed emphasis on scarcity has emerged across the ideological spectrum, fostering a zero-sum mentality regarding growth and re.
This is evident in restrictive immigration policies and the cancellation of clean energy projects. Fragmented permitting processes, implementation weaknesses, and political opposition have slowed down construction projects despite substantial infrastructure funding.
Examples of Abundance in Action
Recent events demonstrate the effectiveness of urgency, investment, and incentives. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant more than doubled its monthly production of 155 mm shells, while European demand is fueling the expansion of CV90 combat vehicle production.
These examples illustrate how coordinated demand and cooperation can unlock industrial capacity, create jobs, and enhance resilience. This same rationale can be extended beyond defense to other sectors and policy domains.
Trade, Regulation and Supply Chains
Trade is a crucial tool for achieving abundance. It increases supply for businesses and consumers, reduces costs, and ensures access to goods that the U.S. cannot adequately produce domestically, such as 5G hardware and antibiotics.
Broad tariffs, on the other hand, increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and provoke retaliatory measures that harm domestic producers. An abundance-oriented trade policy would focus on securing key materials and lowering costs while protecting strategically important industries through more targeted agreements.
Regulatory alignment presents another promising avenue, as demonstrated by a recent agreement between the U.S. and the U.K. to accelerate next-generation nuclear projects. A provision that allows each country to accept the other's regulatory and safety reviews is already influencing commercial decisions and saving time.
Furthermore, commitments outlined in the U.S.-U.K. Technology Prosperity Deal—ranging from developing export markets to advancing quantum technology—serve as a test case for how shared goals can expand supply and accelerate innovation. If implemented effectively, these agreements could serve as a model for abundance-oriented partnerships.
However, their long-term success depends on tangible, shared benefits and consistent follow-through, which partners may question given U.S. political instability.
Cooperation regarding supply chains also holds potential. In particular, agreements on critical minerals that address not only sourcing but also financing, processing, offtake, recycling, and physical security at sites will be essential.
FAQs
What is a foreign policy of abundance and why is it important?
A foreign policy of abundance focuses on using international strategies to increase the availability of essential re like infrastructure, energy, and healthcare. It's important because many constraints on domestic supply originate abroad, requiring international cooperation to overcome them.
How can focusing on abundance strengthen a country's global influence?
Domestic abundance, achieved through improved infrastructure, energy, and technology, enhances a nation's capacity to build and innovate rapidly and affordably. This strategic advantage boosts competitiveness and strengthens leverage on the global stage.
What are some examples of how external pressures have driven progress in the U.S. historically?
Wartime mobilizations, like during World War II, and initiatives during the Cold War spurred breakthroughs in industrial capacity, semiconductor technology, and satellite communications. These advancements enhanced U.S. competitiveness and transformed the global economy.
You've got the context, now make it count. Capitalize on your understanding of the political landscape and potential market shifts by exploring Whales Market for pre market trading crypto.