April 24, 2021
Contact: Wendy Robinson
wrobins@gmu.edu
Congressman Mike Waltz Discusses Deterring China and the Consequences of Withdrawing from Afghanistan
Arlington, VA – On Thursday, April 23, the National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School hosted Congressman Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 6th Congressional District. Congressman Waltz discussed critical national security issues ranging from China’s growing threat as a military, economic, and space power to its complicated ties to Wall Street and its treatment of the Uyghurs. Rep. Waltz also explored other important issues with NSI Director and Executive Director Jamil N. Jaffer, such as U.S efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the impact of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan for peace and stability in the region.
For a recording of the event, please click here.
Hot quotes include:
- On withdrawing from Afghanistan: “I fear that [the Afghanistan withdrawal] is replaying the horror movie [of] the withdrawal from Iraq, and ISIS storming across the Middle East, Europe, and inspiring attacks in the United States,” Congressman Mike Waltz
- On China: “Think of the Chinese right now as the payday lenders of the world. Where they go into impoverished countries, give loans that they know the country can’t repay, and take as collateral ports, electrical grids, [and] mountain ranges,” Congressman Mike Waltz
- On Authoritarianism: “Authoritarian regimes are emboldened by perceived weakness whether it’s fair or not – it’s their perception. And they are deterred by strength,” Congressman Mike Waltz
- On IP Theft: “We’ve talked about the IP theft, what’s going on in our universities [and] research centers. [China is] stealing the way to the top,” Congressman Mike Waltz
Congressman Mike Waltz’s bio can be found here.
About NatSec Nightcap
NatSec Nightcap is NSI’s monthly webinar series where experts share insights into a wide range of pressing policy challenges while enjoying their nightcap of choice. NatSec Nightcap is hosted by NSI Founder and Executive Director Jamil N. Jaffer and features candid conversations with leading national security and foreign policy experts.
About the National Security Institute
The National Security Institute serves as a platform for research, teaching, scholarship, and policy development that incorporates a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and its allies, as well as an appreciation of the legal and practical challenges facing U.S. intelligence, defense, law enforcement, homeland security, and cybersecurity communities. NSI draws on the experience of its fellows, as well as its highly distinguished advisory board and faculty, to produce timely research and policy materials that deliver insightful analysis and actionable recommendations to senior policymakers in the White House and key departments and agencies, as well as those on Capitol Hill.
About the Scalia Law School
The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University is defined by three words: Learn. Challenge. Lead. Students receive an outstanding legal education (Learn), are taught to critically evaluate prevailing orthodoxy and pursue new ideas (Challenge), and, ultimately, are well prepared to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields (Lead). It has been one of America’s top-ranked law schools for the last fifteen years.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 33,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility.