Why the West Needs Defenders Now

By Defender of the West BTH • January 2025 • 8 min read

We are living through one of the most consequential periods in human history. The freedoms, values, and institutions that define Western civilization face existential threats from authoritarian regimes that seek to reshape the global order in their image.

The Chinese Communist Party, backed by a surveillance state and military modernization program worth hundreds of billions, is not content with regional dominance. They seek global hegemony—economic, technological, and military supremacy that would end the era of democratic leadership that has characterized the post-World War II order.

The Threat is Real

Consider the facts:

• Military Expansion: China's defense spending has increased 10x since 2000, with focus on anti-access/area denial capabilities designed to push the US out of the Pacific.
• Technology Dominance: Through initiatives like "Made in China 2025," the CCP aims to control critical technologies including AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
• Economic Coercion: Belt and Road Initiative has trapped developing nations in debt dependencies, giving China leverage over sovereign decisions.
• Information Warfare: TikTok, Confucius Institutes, and state media operations shape global narratives while censoring criticism.

This is not speculation. This is documented, stated policy. Xi Jinping has openly declared China's intention to achieve "national rejuvenation"—code for displacing the United States as the world's leading power by 2049.

What's at Stake

If free societies fail to respond effectively, we risk:

• Loss of freedom of speech, press, and assembly
• Surveillance states powered by AI and facial recognition
• Economic systems subordinated to state control
• Democratic institutions undermined by authoritarian influence
• Individual rights replaced by collective compliance

Look at Hong Kong. In a matter of years, a free, prosperous city was transformed into another outpost of CCP control. What happened there can happen anywhere that lacks the will and capability to defend freedom.

Why Defense Technology Matters

The 21st century will be defined by technological competition. Whoever leads in AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and space technology will determine the future character of global civilization.

Traditional defense contractors are important, but they often move too slowly for the pace of technological change. That's why companies like Palantir and Anduril emerged— to bring Silicon Valley speed and innovation to national security.

We need more of this. We need engineers, entrepreneurs, and operators who understand both technology and the stakes of the current moment. People who see defending democracy not as a job, but as a calling.

The Role of Content and Education

Before building companies, we must build understanding. Most people in free societies don't fully grasp the threat we face. They don't understand Chinese strategy, the timeline of military buildup, or the implications of technological competition.

That's where platforms like TheWestsWord come in. By creating educational content— articles, videos, analysis—we can:

• Raise awareness of the threat
• Explain complex geopolitical and technological concepts
• Connect people who share these concerns
• Build a movement of informed citizens and future defenders

From Word to Sword

The name TheWestsWord carries dual meaning. We start with words—education, analysis, content that shapes understanding and builds community. But the ultimate goal is to transform that foundation into action: a defense technology company that provides critical capabilities to protect free nations.

This is a multi-year journey. Building credibility, audience, network, and capital. Identifying talent and opportunities. And eventually, launching a company that can compete with the best state-backed enterprises of authoritarian regimes.

What You Can Do

If you believe in this mission:

• Stay informed: Subscribe to content that educates about these threats
• Share widely: Help spread awareness in your networks
• Support defenders: Back companies and initiatives protecting freedom
• Consider joining: If you have technical skills, consider working on these problems
• Engage politically: Support leaders who understand the threat

History will judge our generation by how we respond to this challenge. The West's values— individual liberty, democratic governance, free markets, human rights—are not guaranteed. They must be defended, renewed, and advanced by each generation.

This is our time to be defenders.