Deterrence Isn’t Enough: Admiral Mike Mullen on Diplomacy, Alliances, and Military Leadership
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from August 20, 2025 | War, Peace and the American Future: Insights From a Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Admiral Mike Mullen—retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Chief of Naval Operations—joined veteran journalist Warren Olney to explore America’s security posture at home and abroad. Drawing from decades of service, Mullen reflected on military deterrence, the essential role of diplomacy, and the challenges posed by leadership upheaval within the Pentagon. His perspective highlighted the balance between hard power and strategic statecraft, and why both matter for America’s credibility.
Nuclear Subs, Warships, and Sending Signals
Mullen acknowledged that some recent military decisions—like publicizing the repositioning of U.S. nuclear submarines—were unusual. While legal and arguably effective in signaling resolve against Russian saber-rattling, such steps risk confusion among allies and adversaries alike. Similarly, deploying eight Navy warships with Coast Guard detachments to combat drug cartels in the Caribbean and Pacific underscores America’s seriousness. Yet, Mullen noted, the drug trade thrives on demand as much as supply, making military interdiction only part of a much larger challenge.
Allies, Adversaries, and Mixed Messages
For Mullen, U.S. credibility abroad depends not only on hardware but also on steadiness. NATO allies, he argued, have rightly been pressed to spend more on defense—a long-standing American concern—but shifting rhetoric and political ceremony sometimes leave partners uncertain. He cited the red-carpet treatment of Vladimir Putin during a recent visit as “jarring,” even as he acknowledged the president’s desire to achieve results. For adversaries, such optics complicate the task of deciphering U.S. intentions. For allies, inconsistency undermines trust.
Ukraine: Support, Security, and Realism
Mullen was candid about the war in Ukraine: he is pessimistic about a quick settlement. Ukraine, he said, cannot concede its sovereignty, while Russia under Vladimir Putin shows little willingness to compromise. The path forward requires continued U.S. and allied support—including both defensive and offensive weapons—so Kyiv can negotiate from a position of strength. He suggested Ukraine’s rapid integration into the European Union as a way to stabilize its economy and emphasized the need for credible security guarantees to prevent future aggression, even if NATO membership remains premature.
Gaza and the Costs of Urban War
Turning to the Middle East, Mullen reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution and condemned Hamas’s actions. At the same time, he expressed concern about the humanitarian toll of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, urging greater precision and the provision of humanitarian aid. He warned that proposals to reoccupy Gaza underestimate the difficulty of controlling densely populated urban territory—a lesson reinforced by America’s own experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Leadership Upheaval and Representation in the Ranks
The discussion also addressed turmoil inside the Pentagon. Firings of senior leaders, including Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Admiral Linda Fagan, and General Charles Q. Brown, were framed by the administration as a need for “new leadership.” Mullen accepted that military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president, but he cautioned against the cost of losing talent and experience. He rejected claims that diversity initiatives weaken the force, insisting the U.S. military has long been a meritocracy and is stronger when it reflects the people it serves. Young service members, he said, need to see leaders who look like them to believe they have a future in uniform.
Deterrence Plus Diplomacy
At the heart of Mullen’s remarks was a broader strategic lesson: deterrence alone is insufficient. The military’s job is to deter, fight, and win wars, but it cannot carry the full burden of foreign policy. Strong diplomacy, economic engagement, and international cooperation must complement military power. Without that balance, Mullen warned, America risks overreliance on force at the expense of lasting stability.
Looking Ahead
Admiral Mullen closed with a note of guarded optimism. The United States, he said, remains “the greatest country in the world,” blessed with resilience, resources, and democratic principles. But sustaining that strength requires leaders who value diplomacy alongside deterrence, who preserve trust with allies, and who ensure the military stays representative and effective. America’s future security, he argued, will depend not just on weapons, but on wisdom.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.