"DOD Policy Chief Highlights the Importance of Teamwork, Citing Michael Jordan's Example"

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for policy, emphasized the importance of allies and partners to U.S. national security strategies during a Pentagon media briefing. He highlighted the success of NATO in preventing great power wars and expressed concern over the belief held by some Americans that the U.S. doesn't need allies. Kahl emphasized that international relations is a team sport and that the United States, despite being the most powerful country, relies on its allies and partners. He used the analogy of Michael Jordan needing his teammates to illustrate this point. Kahl also discussed the united efforts to deter Russian aggression and the need for a team approach in countering China's challenge in the Indo-Pacific.