Without question, the future national security of the United States of America will be determined by far more than tightening our borders and cybersecurity, being technologically superior, or even fighting terrorists. In truth, the success or failure of our educational system is the prime determinate in our ability to preserve supremacy within the international power structure.

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The way we educate our children – all our children – has increasingly historic implications for every single one of us. In this new era of world interdependence, an uneducated, unskilled, and unprepared work force equals an unparalleled disaster for this country. To that end, we must do whatever it takes to ensure a flexible, dynamic labor market and a well-trained, adaptable workforce.​ Combined, globalization and technology make drastic alterations to our educational curriculum an urgent priority. Although low-skilled workers have always been at a disadvantage, a deficit of skilled labor is now even more ominous as technology advances and America continually expands its free trade policies and companies become even more multinational.

 

And make no mistake, despite the campaign promises and rally cries you may hear – especially now with Donald Trump back in the White House – America’s long-term commitment to worldwide commerce will not likely change any time soon because the overall financial benefit to our nation greatly outweighs the negatives. Temporary financial assistance for displaced workers may help in the short term, but at the end of the day it’s education and education alone that will be the great equalizer.

 

And we’re failing at it, miserably.