Pandemics Are National Security Threats: Why We Must Treat Them as Such

The Washington Monument stands solemnly behind a sea of white flags, each one representing an American life lost to COVID-19. The installation, "In America: Remember," by artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, serves as a haunting reminder of the pandemic's toll. But the loss of over 630,000 lives is just the tip of the iceberg. The economic devastation, political discord, and erosion of public trust in health measures have left deep scars on our nation.

Pandemics like the great influenza of 1918-1919 and COVID-19 are often seen as health care challenges. This view, however, is far too narrow. These crises should be treated as threats to national security. Why? Because that's exactly what they are. Framing pandemics this way would inform and motivate reforms that strengthen our defenses and reduce the devastation they inflict.

The Case for National Security Classification

Understanding why pandemics should be classified as national security threats requires a broader view of what national security means. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, national security can encompass a wide range of critical interests, from counterterrorism and economic welfare to supply chain security and global public health. By this standard, COVID-19 was an unparalleled disaster.

In the 250 years since America’s founding, all the nation's wars combined claimed just over 1.3 million lives. From 2020 to 2026, COVID-19 took over 1.2 million American lives. The disease devastated the economy, set back the education of an entire generation, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in public health protections, including vaccination. Even the tragic events of September 11, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, pale in comparison.

Despite the near-miracle of effective vaccines developed in just 11 months, the pandemic's impact was profound. The economic downturn led to widespread job losses, business closures, and financial instability. Schools were forced to close or shift to remote learning, affecting millions of students' education and mental health. Political tensions rose as public health measures became politicized, leading to protests and civil unrest.

What Comes Next

Treating pandemics as national security threats would require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional public health strategies. This includes:

1. Strengthening Early Detection Systems: Investing in advanced surveillance systems to detect emerging pathogens early can help prevent outbreaks from becoming full-blown pandemics. Early detection is crucial for rapid response and containment.

2. Enhancing International Cooperation: Pandemics know no borders. Strengthening international partnerships and agreements, such as those under the World Health Organization (WHO), can ensure a coordinated global response. This includes sharing data, resources, and best practices to mitigate the spread of diseases.

3. Securing Supply Chains: Ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines, is critical. Diversifying supply chains and building domestic production capacity can help prevent shortages during crises.

4. Building Resilient Health Systems: Investing in robust health care infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and public health departments, is essential. This includes training and retaining a skilled workforce, ensuring adequate funding, and modernizing facilities to handle large-scale emergencies.

5. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, housing instability, and lack of access to healthcare can exacerbate the impact of pandemics. Addressing these issues through policy reforms can help build a more resilient population.

By framing pandemics as national security threats, we can mobilize the necessary resources and political will to implement these measures. This approach would not only save lives but also protect our economy, social fabric, and global standing. The lessons learned from COVID-19 must be applied to prepare for future challenges, ensuring that we are better equipped to face whatever comes next.

Why It Matters

The human and economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the need for a more comprehensive approach to public health. Treating pandemics as national security threats can help us build stronger, more resilient systems that protect our citizens and our nation's well-being. The time to act is now, before the next crisis strikes.