Publication

This report recommends changes to the US's National Security Council’s (NSC) management processes and structure to make it more agile and effective for US President Barack Obama's successor. They include: 1) strengthening human capital, especially by recruiting, retaining, and promoting talent; 2) effectively distributing decision-making responsibilities across all levels of management as opposed to pushing every type of decision upward; 3) making time for strategic planning and forecasting; and 4) mastering the budget process. The authors also suggest that those running the restructured NSC should closely examine the 1) frequency of meetings; 2) overall staff size, as these are the two key elements that shape NSC operations and 3) the rhythm of presidential decision-making.