To be sure, the United States possesses factor endowments far in excess of any other spacefaring nation. Yet, the argument could be made that the U.S. has been underperforming despite the vast amount of riches. It will be almost two decades from the time we committed to building a new, very heavy lift vehicle (SLS) until the time it will take astronauts to get back to the Moon. To some, this is an embarrassment of lethargy.
In this discussion, we will explore whether the United States effectively utilizes its base of resource endowments. The tool we will use for this discussion is a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis (SWOT). The SWOT is a relatively quick look at an organization that still provides a reasonably comprehensive picture. While not strictly an NSIS evaluation of the United States, consideration of these factors should facilitate your analysis. A good SWOT Analysis also provides a valuable addition to the NSIS model in that it specifically includes transient events in the future.
In a SWOT Analysis, the matrix is used to guide your steps. Your written responses are not added to the matrix itself.
Along with the other attributes analyzed in a SWOT, specifically consider these items.
Internal persistent capacity of NSIS
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the NSIS of the United States? These should be relatively enduring capacities that provide a source of strength or weakness. This would certainly include endogenous factor endowments, historical factors, and institutional characteristics. However, you should not be confined to these factors.
External events or challenges
This differs from the exogenous forces we consider as a component of the NSIS model. In a SWOT, we are concerned with more temporal events. We are also looking to the future. Consider the following two opportunities:
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- Consider the strategic opportunities for the United States to improve its position relative to its peers. Entering into an alliance might be a good example of this. Other options can involve taking advantage of technologies to develop new markets or lines of development, whether government or commercial programs.
- Consider that threats might include situations where other countries might take advantage of weaknesses. Threats can also include external events, such as economic disruptions, leading to a precipitous decline or lost capability. Other nations’ entering into challenging alliances could also present a threat to the United States.
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Synthesis
The final section of the SWOT brings things together and comes to a specific conclusion about whether the United States is using its NSIS effectively. It relates to what the United States needs to do to make more effective use of its NSIS.
Make sure to include your references at the end of your initial post and relevant images or figures.
Use the remainder of the module week to read and reply to at least two of your classmates’ responses and any comments given to you by your instructor with constructive commentary. Your responses to your classmates should be thought-provoking and continue the conversation.