On Thursday, January 15, 2015, the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security welcomed Admiral Cecil D. Haney, the Commander of US Strategic Command, for a public address entitled “Strategic Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century.” For ADM Haney, the United States must keep a credible strategic deterrent to keep threats at bay in a world of diffused power and multiple threats.

The Admiral discussed topics ranging from Russia to space to North Korea, and outlined what the United States might do to come out ahead in each case. The event’s moderator, Thom Shanker of the New York Times, asked the Admiral questions related to America’s nuclear capability and current modernization program, as well as questions of strategy in an era of defense budget austerity. In the end, the Admiral laid out the United States’ plan for strategic deterrence in the near- to long-term.

The discussion with ADM Haney was hosted as part of the Commanders Series, which is sponsored by Saab North America, Inc. and is the preeminent platform for military leaders to discuss strategic issues with an audience drawn from the broader Washington policy community. Recent Commanders Series events included GEN Lloyd J. Austin, Supreme Allied Commander – Europe Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, and now former Commander of US Air Force Space Command, Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF (Ret.).