The Heritage Foundation and AEI announced “the Project for the Common Defense, a coalition of independent volunteers committed to national defense policies that are defined by strategic clarity and robust capabilities.” Former US Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) introduced the effort as “a return to the “bipartisan consensus we’ve had in the past for a common defense.”

The effort aims to separate tactical from strategic issues: “While tactical questions relating to the use of military force often divide Americans, a bipartisan consensus regarding America’s enduring strategic interests – such as the one that emerged in the aftermath of World War II – is possible.” Other speakers included former US Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) and  Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).