Cato Institute
·
Published
December 12, 2023
Share this article

Summary

  • The Biden administration's latest request for $61 billion for Ukraine would bring the total U.S. support since 2022 to nearly $200 billion.
  • The authors question the feasibility of a Ukrainian victory and the U.S.'s ability to sustain financial support given its fiscal challenges.|

Overview:

This commentary piece by Justin Logan and Dan Caldwell at the Cato Institute critiques President Biden's approach to supporting Ukraine, arguing that the United States has overextended its resources. They assert that the Biden administration's request for additional funding for Ukraine is unsustainable given the U.S.'s fiscal position and the uncertain prospects of a Ukrainian victory.

Key Points:

  1. The Biden administration's latest request for $61 billion for Ukraine would bring the total U.S. support since 2022 to nearly $200 billion.
  2. The authors question the feasibility of a Ukrainian victory and the U.S.'s ability to sustain financial support given its fiscal challenges.|

Key Quotes:

  1. "The Biden administration continues to publicly advance the delusion that Ukraine can achieve a total and decisive victory against Russia."
  2. "Interest on the debt is now roughly $1 trillion per year, the national debt itself is at almost $34 trillion, and the budget deficit each year is some $1.5 trillion and expected to jump to almost $3 trillion by 2033."

What They Discuss:

  • The impact of U.S. support for Ukraine on the country's ammunition stockpiles and its ability to support other allies.
  • The challenges in achieving a meaningful Ukrainian breakthrough against Russia in the near term.
  • The risks of escalating the conflict in Ukraine and the high rates of munition expenditure.
  • The dire U.S. fiscal position, including a growing national debt and budget deficit, which makes continued support for Ukraine unsustainable.

What They Recommend:

  • Congress should reject the latest funding request for Ukraine due to the lack of a clear plan for victory and the U.S.'s precarious fiscal position.
  • The U.S. should reconsider its approach to the conflict in Ukraine, focusing on diplomatic solutions rather than continued military support.​

Key Takeaways:

  • The commentary highlights the fiscal and strategic challenges of the U.S.'s continued support for Ukraine.
  • It emphasizes the need for a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy priorities and fiscal responsibilities.
  • The authors argue for a more cautious approach to international conflicts, considering the U.S.'s domestic fiscal challenges.​

This is a brief overview of the commentary from the Cato Institute. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.

Related articles

All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
All Topics
Pay Attention to the Arab Public Response to the Israel-Hamas War
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
·
Nov 18, 2023

Pay Attention to the Arab Public Response to the Israel-Hamas War

Summary
  • The Arab public's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict is increasingly characterized by a preference for nonviolent, pro-peace approaches.
  • There is a significant shift in the Arab world towards rejecting violence and extremist ideologies, as evidenced by public opinion surveys.
Liberal
Commentary
·
War in Israel-Gaza
Read summary
(1 min.)
-->
What to watch in Ukraine in 2024
Brookings
·
Nov 18, 2023

What to watch in Ukraine in 2024

Summary
  • Brookings experts are watching the EU's capability to fund Ukraine, NATO's strategy for integrating Ukraine, and the possibility of either Russia or Ukraine breaking through stalemate on the battlefied.
  • They are also watching Western defense industry's ability to match Russia's, the international community's potential appropriation of Russian assets for Ukraine's rebuilding, and the influence of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Leans Left
Commentary
·
Ukraine-Russia War
Read summary
(1 min.)
-->
Ukraine’s Desperate Hour: The World Needs a Russian Defeat
American Enterprise Institute
·
Nov 18, 2023

Ukraine’s Desperate Hour: The World Needs a Russian Defeat

Summary
  • AEI expert Hal Brands writes that the war in Ukraine is a critical test of democratic resilience against authoritarian forces.
  • The outcome of this conflict could either reinforce or erode the current global order, depending on the sustained commitment of democratic nations.
Conservative
Op-Ed
·
Ukraine-Russia War
Read summary
(1 min.)
-->
AI can strengthen U.S. democracy—and weaken it
Brookings
·
Nov 18, 2023

AI can strengthen U.S. democracy—and weaken it

Summary
  • AI has the potential to improve election administration but requires vigilant monitoring for risks such as phishing attacks, misinformation, and potential bias in voter rolls.
  • Policymakers, advocates, and citizens need to stay informed about technological advancements to harness AI's positive potential.
Leans Left
Commentary
·
Artificial Intelligence
Read summary
(1 min.)
-->
Students Are Not the Biggest Problem When It Comes to Speech
American Enterprise Institute
·
Nov 18, 2023

Students Are Not the Biggest Problem When It Comes to Speech

Summary
  • Samuel J. Abrams at the American Enterprise Institute discusses the issue of free speech on college campuses, arguing the real issue lies with college administrators and diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, which contribute to a culture of censorship and fear.
  • Abrams argues students widely support the First Amendment and open debate, even if some ideas may be uncomfortable.
Conservative
Blog
·
Education
Read summary
(1 min.)
-->
No results found.
Original Read Time
9 min
Organization
The Brookings Institution
Category
Israel-Gaza War
Political Ideology
Center Left

We make expert analysis of current events
simple and accessible for all.

Join us in elevating our public discourse.