As the Pentagon moves into the final phase of work on the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), it is clear that an effective defense strategy for the United States will build on the Iraq and Afghanistan war experiences. One key to a successful war-fighting vision will be more efficient and effective coalition-building exercises. Interoperability and well-equipped partners are a must. But skepticism about the QDR process abounds; the U.S. House of Representatives has its own shadow QDR process, and budgetary concerns in the United States may override strategic imperatives.  

Will the House of Representatives be prepared for the battles ahead? Can our allies depend on us? And how will we depend on them? Please join AEI and the Embassy of Australia for a conference on the challenges ahead. The keynote and introductory speakers will be announced at a later date.