Part 13/16:
Meanwhile, Russia continues to maintain engagement through space programs, diplomatic ties, and intelligence operations. Bustamante notes that even amid conflicts, these nations maintain long-term strategies—building dependencies, collecting intelligence, and undermining U.S. influence.
The U.S. must recognize these threats are ongoing; their influence is compounded when diplomatic and economic policies are reactive or short-sighted.
Practical Steps: Active Citizen Engagement
The solution, according to the interview, hinges on active civic engagement:
- Vote: Every citizen’s vote at local, state, and federal levels influences policies about border security, intelligence oversight, and resource allocation.