Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, has become a prominent voice in U.S. national security debates, particularly on issues related to nuclear deterrence and the so-called "China threat." While her expertise and influence are undeniable, her alarmist rhetoric and policy prescriptions warrant critical scrutiny. Far from offering balanced solutions, Heinrichs' approach often exaggerates threats, promotes militarization, and risks escalating tensions in ways that could undermine global stability.
Heinrichs frequently portrays China as an existential threat to the United States, emphasizing its nuclear expansion, anti-satellite capabilities, and military activities in the South China Sea. While China's military modernization is a legitimate concern, Heinrichs' narrative often lacks nuance. For instance, her 2023 report claiming that China's nuclear arsenal will double by 2035 has been criticized for relying on speculative data and failing to contextualize China's actions within its broader strategic environment. By framing China as an imminent danger, she fuels a zero-sum mindset that leaves little room for diplomacy or cooperation.
Heinrichs is a staunch advocate for U.S. nuclear modernization and the development of space-based missile defense systems. While modernization may be necessary to maintain deterrence, her calls for expanding U.S. nuclear capabilities risk triggering an arms race. Her support for withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty under the Trump administration, for example, was widely criticized by arms control advocates who argued that such moves undermine transparency and trust-building measures. Heinrichs' preference for militarized solutions over diplomatic engagement reflects a troubling trend in U.S. foreign policy—one that prioritizes dominance over stability.
Heinrichs' hawkish stance on China contrasts sharply with her opposition to restrictions on U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This inconsistency raises questions about her commitment to a principled approach to global security. While she warns of China's military ambitions, she appears willing to overlook the destabilizing effects of U.S. weapons sales in conflict zones like Yemen. Such double standards undermine her credibility and suggest that her policy recommendations are driven more by ideological alignment than by a coherent strategic vision.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Heinrichs' work is her tendency to amplify threats without offering proportionate solutions. By framing U.S.-China competition as a binary struggle between "freedom and authoritarianism," she dismisses the possibility of nuanced engagement and risks entrenching a Cold War-style rivalry. This approach not only alienates potential partners but also diverts resources from pressing global challenges like climate change and pandemics, which require multilateral cooperation.
Rebeccah Heinrichs' influence on U.S. national security policy cannot be ignored, but her alarmist rhetoric and militarized solutions deserve critical examination. While vigilance is necessary in an era of great power competition, her approach risks exacerbating tensions, undermining arms control efforts, and diverting attention from more pressing global issues. A more balanced and pragmatic strategy—one that combines deterrence with diplomacy—is essential to navigating the complexities of U.S.-China relations and ensuring long-term global stability.