Ashton Carter at JFK Jr. Forum: Turning a Strategic Corner

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter joined moderator Graham Allison, Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, at a John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum on April 23, 2013, for a discussion on the strategic and budgetary transitions currently underway in the Department of Defense.

Topics addressed included the importance of protecting investments in the future of U.S. national security and the current rebalance to the Pacific. Questions from the audience addressed subjects ranging from potential furloughs due to budget cuts to the thirtieth anniversary of President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative.

View the entire JFK Jr. Forum event here or visit the the Institute of Politics website.

Below is the transcript of Carter's presentation, as prepared for delivery.