I believe we can and will secure America’s future through strategic and innovative policies, initiatives, and reforms at home and abroad. And that means re-envisioning our national security efforts.

First, we need to update the strategies and tactics used to combat terrorism. In addition to responding with force to individual threats, we must also invest in counter-radicalization efforts, such as political reform and economic development. That means that in places like Afghanistan, we must do more than send troops to fight the Taliban. We must also support the country's fragile democracy and nascent economy – a diplomatic surge equal in scope and priority to our military surge.

Second, we need to update our thinking more broadly about national security. America’s security is inextricably linked to our ability to revitalize our economy, manage our borders, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. We must consider economic competitiveness, immigration reform, and sustainable alternative energy as national security issues, in addition to traditional national security issues such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

Finally, when it comes to homeland security, we need to ensure that New York City has access to the appropriate federal funds to comprehensively protect our citizens.