New CNAS Report “Stress-Testing State Power: When Governors and Presidents Diverge on Matters of National Security”

Washington, December 5, 2024 – Today, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) released a timely new report during the transition to a new presidential administration, Stress-Testing State Power: When Governors and Presidents Diverge on Matters of National Security by Carrie Cordero, Robert M. Gates senior fellow at CNAS.

The report examines how federalism in the United States is increasingly connected with national security and foreign policy issues. As state and federal governments navigate overlapping responsibilities in areas traditionally dominated by the federal government, both tensions and opportunities for policymakers could emerge.

Drawing on insights from two scenario-based exercises conducted by national security and legal experts, the report delves into key points of contention between state and federal authorities:

• Protests, Law Enforcement, and Deploying the National Guard: This scenario explored the legal and operational challenges that arise when state and federal governments disagree on the use of the National Guard during domestic protests.
• Foreign Influence, Elections, and Social Media: This scenario examined state-level responses to foreign attempts to disrupt U.S. elections, including debates over banning a social media platform that was a platform for foreign malign influence efforts.

Both scenarios underscore how disputes between state and federal governments can escalate, often resulting in prolonged litigation that delays effective responses to national security threats.

“From foreign interference in elections to debates over border security, state governments are playing an increasingly prominent role in issues critical to national security,” said Carrie Cordero. “As adversaries find new ways to exploit American vulnerabilities, enhanced coordination between state and federal governments will be essential to protect the nation’s security.”

The report offers actionable recommendations to address potential conflicts and improve state-federal collaboration in addressing emerging threats:

• Improving understanding and communication regarding foreign malign influence;
• Reviewing and updating National Guard and law enforcement uniforms and preparedness for domestic security incidents;
• Strengthening legal and policy responses to online malign foreign influence activities.

For more information or to arrange an interview with the report’s author, please contact Alexa Whaley at [email protected].