What is the purpose of economic resilience within the strategy?

• A. Reduce vulnerability and sustain critical supply chains
• B. Pursue autarky
• C. End all trade with allies
• D. Eliminate all tariffs

Answer: (A)

Economic resilience in strategy focuses on reducing vulnerability and keeping essential supply chains functioning when disruptions occur. It emphasizes preparing for shocks—whether from natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, or geopolitical tensions—so the economy can still deliver critical goods and services. This means diversifying suppliers, building redundant capacity, maintaining strategic stockpiles, and strengthening critical sectors like energy, food, medicines, and defense materials. By emphasizing continuity and robustness, resilience supports national security and civilian stability even under stress.

Autarky would demand complete self-sufficiency, which is impractical and would ignore the efficiencies and capabilities gained through international cooperation. Ending all trade with allies would cripple access to crucial inputs and advanced capabilities that many sectors rely on. Eliminating tariffs is a trade policy tool, not the objective of resilience. The aim, instead, is to lessen exposure to shocks and ensure essential supply chains endure, preserving essential functions and security across the system.