Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Grand strategy / Consider the benefits of closing excess bases abroad
Grand strategy

January 29, 2023

Consider the benefits of closing excess bases abroad

By Andrew Jarocki

Rumblings of a potential deal to cap defense spending has triggered furious debate on Capitol Hill. Progressives and fiscal conservatives alike worry about a ballooning Pentagon budget that grows closer to $1 trillion, while defense hawks like Liz Cheney cry out that even a single cent cut would “weaken our national defense” and cause the country to “suffer.”

However, there is a first step toward compromise that could satisfy both sides by freeing up resources for the military without increasing the top line budget: Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). This process allows the military to redirect money from obsolete installations toward more strategic needs.

 

Read at Stars and Stripes

Author

Andrew
Jarocki

Contributing Fellow

Defense Priorities

The Latest

In the mediaMiddle East

Iran war puts future U.S. military presence in Middle East in question

September 17, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

As Walls Close In, Zelensky Lashes Out

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 16, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Will Iran become a two-front war?

By Daniel DePetris

September 15, 2026

In the mediaChina, Asia, Naval power

U.S. Marine Stand-In Forces in the Pacific worry China, report details

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

September 15, 2026

In the mediaChina‑Taiwan, Asia, Basing and force posture, China, Military analysis

Trump and ‘strategic ambiguity’ over Taiwan

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 14, 2026

In the mediaChina‑Taiwan, Asia, Basing and force posture, China, Military analysis

Trump’s relations with China

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 13, 2026

Events on Grand strategy

See All Events
virtualGrand strategy, Military analysis

Assessing the 2026 NDS: How does it deal with defense deficits?

February 9, 2026
virtualEurope and Eurasia, Asia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Alignment with restraint?

February 9, 2026
virtualGlobal posture, Grand strategy, Military analysis

Assessing the 2026 NDS: What comes next?

February 9, 2026

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

Defense Priorities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by American individuals and foundations—no funding comes from the United States government or any foreign government.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.