The Strength Beneath the Surface
America’s real power depends on the institutions, expertise, alliances, and citizens we too often take for granted.
America does not become stronger by looking stronger. Its power rests on the less visible things that make democracy work: independent judgment, competent institutions, trusted alliances, constitutional limits, and citizens willing to pay attention.
The Steady State focuses this week on the distinction between the appearance of strength and the structures that actually create strength. America’s real strength is being threatened by the erosion of the institutions, expertise, alliances, constitutional limits, and civic habits that made this country strong in the first place. Are we to accept spectacle for substance, loyalty for independent judgment, presidential power for constitutional government, and passivity for active citizenship?
May we remain curious and engaged, willing to question authority, committed to the institutions and principles that allow us to disagree without destroying the system that gives us that right to disagree.
ESSENTIALS
QUOTED
More than 400 former officials belong to The Steady State, a group formed in 2016 amid concerns about authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic norms. Its members include veterans of the C.I.A., F.B.I., State Department, Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security. The group also argues that weakening institutional checks poses risks to the American business environment.
TRENDING on SUBSTACK
Ex-CIA Veterans Warn of Democratic Erosion in Trump’s Second Term (clashreport.com)
A growing network of former US intelligence and national security professionals is breaking traditional silence to publicly warn that the Trump administration is dismantling democratic guardrails and adopting the tactics of autocratic regimes during its second term.
THE MISSION
The Steady State continues its nationwide endorsement effort to help ensure Congress is filled with leaders who will protect the Constitution and defend the rule of law.
#HOLDFAST
Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 400 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.
Institutions suffer little before bending.
Thanks for all your research and essays. Truth matters. #HoldFast