Joint Force Quarterly
Abstract
Eisenhower School faculty members Michael Harsch and Shaun Lee have developed an interesting analysis method for assessing the willingness of one nation to partner with another. This article explores how growing geopolitical risks are challenging the way countries manage global trade and supply chains. Relying solely on economic efficiency and comparative advantage is no longer enough to protect critical industries from disruption. At the same time, bringing all supply chains back to the United States is often too expensive or unrealistic due to limited domestic resources and infrastructure. As a solution, the authors highlight friend-shoring—working with trusted partner countries—as a way to strengthen supply chain security. To support this approach, the article introduces a new tool called the Measure of Country Reliability (MCR) index. The MCR provides a clear and consistent way to evaluate the reliability of potential trade partners. The authors argue that the MCR can be a valuable tool for policymakers and analysts as they build stronger, more resilient economic partnerships, especially in sectors like biotechnology.
Recommended Citation
Michael F. Harsch & Shaun Lee, "Defusing Weaponized Interdependence: A New Approach to Measuring Country Reliability," Joint Force Quarterly 117 (2nd Quarter 2025), 40-50, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol117/iss2/7.
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