Good morning,

This is your Monday morning edition of The Intel Brief where I get you up to speed on some of the most relevant and interesting updates around the globe.

This one is a little shorter than usual and should take about 5 minutes to read.

Reporting Period: 5-8 September

Bottom Line Up Front:

Missed yesterday’s Pacific Weekly? Read it here.

REMINDER: Presidential Debate Tomorrow

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will have their first debate on 10 September at 9 pm EDT. The debate is being moderated by ABC News.

US Military Leaders Travel To Germany To Discuss Ukrainian Needs, Strategy

On 6 September, key military leaders from 50 nations met in Germany to discuss the ongoing Russo-Ukraine War. On the American side, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General C.Q. Brown attended the meeting. President Zelenskyy was present.

The meeting focused on further aid to Ukraine (specifically air defense systems), rules for striking Russian territory, and Ukraine’s strategy for prosecuting the war.

At the meeting, the US announced $250 million in aid for Ukraine. This follows Biden’s commitment of $125 million to Ukraine in August. Congress is currently debating whether to provide Ukraine with a further $6 billion in aid.

Why This Matters

Ukraine’s recent offensive into Russia’s Kursk region was seen as an early success until Russia countered with a massive missile and drone barrage across Ukraine. Currently, Russian forces appear to be supporting an offensive in Donetsk. With Ukraine’s strategy under some question, and Kyiv lacking systems and munitions, the leaders are gathering to make critical decisions about how Ukraine can (and should) continue fighting the war.

Also important is Biden’s tenure as president. Biden’s administration is a major supporter of Ukraine and is likely to push more aid before he leaves office.

Winter’s approach also brings into question whether or not the conflict will “freeze” or remain at current intensity through Spring. This period could offer Ukraine time to procure new aid and consolidate assets for renewed fighting come Spring.

Want To Read More?

• Conflict report by ISW

• Coverage by AP News

• Coverage by Ukrainska Pravda

US Marines, Allies Conduct UNITAS LXV In Chile

The exercise UNITAS LXV is currently ongoing in Chile. The 65th iteration of the exercise, which features 25 partner nations, is the longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world.

US Marines are joined by Central and South American partners to grow security partnerships and conduct operations in line with Marine Corps Force Design 2030 objectives, such as Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and expeditionary Command and Control (C2) operations.

The exercise is scheduled to end on 12 September.

Why This Matters

While UNITAS may be an annual exercise, this year it was preceded by the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHDEC 24) in which the US and South American partners discussed deeper security ties due to rising threats on the continent.

Despite myriad global security crises, the US is looking to have a greater presence in the global south due to growing interest by China and regime instability in the region.

Want To Read More?

• Coverage by Marines

• Read about SOUTHDEC by The Intel Brief

House Republicans Propose Bill To Avoid Government Shutdown

On 6 September, House Republicans presented their legislation that would fund the government through March 2025. The legislation is to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. The fiscal year ends 1 October.

The 118th Congress recently reconvened following a lengthy Summer recess.

Democrats seem unwilling to vote in support of the bill due to a clause that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Why This Matters

A government shutdown could severely impact the United States. A government shutdown would:

• Pause pay and benefits to federal employees and military members

• Suspend non-essential services

• Suspend or slow government contracts with businesses

• Delay payments through federal benefits, grants, and contracts

Additionally, government shutdowns will tend to erode public trust. They also typically result in lower consumer spending.

Want To Read More?

• The bill by US Congress

• Coverage by The Hill

• Coverage by AP News

Blinken Travels To The United Kingdom For Strategic Dialogue

On 7 September, it was announced the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the UK for the US-UK Strategic Dialogue. Blinken will participate in the dialogue from 9-10 September.

In London, Blinken will meet with senior UK officials to discuss American and British cooperation. The issues they are scheduled to discuss are the Indo-Pacific, the AUKUS partnership, the Middle East security environment, and support for Ukraine.

Why This Matters

The United States does not do bilateral (state to state) strategic dialogues with everyone. Typically, our strategic coordination is conducted through NATO or smaller groups and organizations.

A strategic dialogue is conducted by states that share mutual concerns and a willingness to commit resources to addressing them together. It represents a cohesive partnership and is a sign of good relations.

Antony Blinken’s statement highlighted that “special relationship” we share with the United Kingdom.

Want To Read More?

• Press release by US Department of State

End Brief

That concludes this Monday morning edition of The Intel Brief.

Thanks for reading it!

See you on Thursday,

Nick