What is the next big national security threat after terrorism?

When asked to identify the next big national security threat after terrorism, I would propose that the issue of U.S. education and its lack of investment in science and mathematics looms as an insidious threat to the future of our security as a nation. In class on Monday, several variations of the definition of national security were invoked. When considering a more broad interpretation of the concept of national security, consistent with the Obama Administration’s 2009 national security agenda, it is important to look at the issue that will be most detrimental to our security in the long-term.

American national security and prosperity relies heavily on a steady trend of American scientific and technological innovations. New international challenges in the 21 century such as global warming and energy dependence will require creative solutions from citizens of the world. For the U.S. to maintain its global hegemonic power, our citizens must be at the forefront of this struggle with new science and fresh solutions. As stated in the 2009 White House National Security strategy, “American’s long-term leadership depends on educating and producing future scientists and innovators.” This is precisely why the Obama White House has invested in the STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to encourage young Americans pursuing these fields of study.

The statistics on U.S. science and mathematics education are alarming. An international educational assessment in 2006 ranked U.S. students 21st out of 30 nations in science literacy and 25^th in math literacy. Students in other developed nations are very clearly outperforming American students in these fields. If we truly want to look towards future security and prosperity, America should be investing in science and mathematics education for the next generation who will inherit the new international threats of the century.