09.26.2006

Washington, DC

Today, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Representative Jane Harman joined Les Gelb, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and Rand Beers, former special assistant to Presidents Clinton and Bush, to launch the National Security Network. Developed by national security experts representing numerous organizations, the National Security Network is setting forth a national security policy for a new era.

Today’s announcement includes a set of principles based on five pillars for a sound national security policy. It is the culmination of an unprecedented collaborative effort among national and community leaders. These principles offer a vision for American foreign policy that takes “a clear-eyed look at the world we face-- building on, not turning our backs on, the strongest traditions of our past.”

Comprised of more than 1,000 national security experts from around the country, the National Security Network promotes pragmatic and principled foreign policy and places national security above partisan interests.

“Plans and ideas for securing America are scattered throughout the country, are often disconnected, and don’t reach the people who need them. The National Security Network acts as a switchboard to connect media, political leaders and experts to ensure the best ideas are getting where they need to go,” said the Network’s president, Rand Beers at the launch event at the National Press Club. “National Security Network members are committed to fostering an informed public dialogue to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the United States and to restore America’s legitimacy as a global leader.”

“President Bush is playing nasty politics with America's national security. The National Security Network aims to put ‘security’ back into ‘national security’ and do it by restoring bipartisanship,” said Advisory Board Chairman Les Gelb, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. “No other national security organization integrates policy making, messaging, and community outreach within one enterprise. Network members are the best of the next generation. They are problem-solvers addressing real challenges”

One of the core missions of the Network is to strengthen citizen support for responsible foreign policy throughout the country. Chapters of the National Security Network are currently active in three states, and are coming together in five more.

In addition to the principles and launch of state chapters, the National Security Network highlighted two additional projects: a series of town hall meeting across the country that will begin in October, and the Security Framework Project, the communications hub sponsored by, and maintained for, the progressive national security community.

Full copies of the National Security Principles are available at www.nationalsecuritynetwork.org. Also available: Information on National Security Network members and projects as well as policy briefs on issues such as Terrorism, Iraq, Iran, Human Rights & Democracy, and Energy.