THE VANDENBERG COALITION – A network of foreign policy scholars

The Vandenberg Coalition

We are a non-partisan network of foreign policy scholars and practitioners who believe in the power of American leadership to protect American national security.

American Security Depends on American Leadership

The United States must remain the most powerful nation and influential leader in the world.

A Strong America is a Safe America

A strong national defense is essential to protect the vital interests of the American people and to deter aggression and hostility abroad.

Strategic Cooperation Serves American Interests

Robust alliances among sovereign nations and the strategic use of multilateral institutions can preserve and advance U.S. interests. Nations joined in common cause, not supranational government, are the foundation of international cooperation and peace.

Economic Security is Essential to National Security

Free and fair trade advances the prosperity and security of the American people. U.S. trade and investment agreements should benefit workers and families in the U.S. America must sustain its defense and industrial base, lead efforts against predatory economic practices, and promote respect for the rules of international trade and commerce.

A Proud American Foreign Policy

The strategic pursuit of American principles advances American security. A proud American foreign policy should champion American values without apology.

American Leadership of, by, and for the American People

The American people are the ultimate arbiters of U.S. foreign policy. The foreign policy of the United States should be responsive to the interests and principles of Americans not just in Washington but across our country.

The Vandenberg Coalition is a non-partisan network of foreign policy leaders, both experts and practitioners, advancing the position that the national security, prosperity, and freedom of the United States require a strong and proud foreign policy.

The Coalition aims to ensure that elected officials, candidates for government office, and the press have a common, credible and fact-based source of information on defense and foreign policy and access to a network of future leaders and practitioners committed to American leadership in the world.

There are critical moments in the life of every nation which call for the straightest, the plainest and the most courageous thinking of which we are capable. We confront such a moment now.

Event

Conservative Foreign Policy Series: Senator Joni Ernst

Foreign Policy is continuing to drastically impact the everyday lives of American citizens. From Chinese purchases of American land, to balloons surveilling our country, to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, the connection between what is happening abroad and what is happening here at home is clearer than ever. And yet, the last few years have seen America’s dramatic retreat from the world stage and put America’s credibility at stake. Join Senator Joni Ernst and Vandenberg’s Executive Director, Carrie Filipetti for a discussion on these issues, and the Senator’s vision of a stronger, prouder American foreign policy.

Event

The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy to Triumph Over China

What kind of grand strategy should the United States pursue to prevail in long term competition with China? What moves does Washington need to make today to set us up to win over the long term?

Upcoming Book Talk: The Decisive Decade

Join us Thursday, May 4th at 3:00 PM for a virtual discussion with author Jonathan Ward about his new book, The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy for Triumph Over China

Our Team

The Vandenberg Coalition’s team represents former government officials who have worked across multiple presidential administrations and have seen firsthand the critical role American leadership plays in preserving American security.

Interested in Beyond the Water's Edge?

Beyond the Water’s Edge is our weekly bulletin containing policy analysis, vigorous debate and exchange, and key announcements. Sign up here to join a growing network of leaders committed to a foreign policy that protects and preserves American security, prosperity, and freedom.

Share Us