Biden Nominates Kathleen Hicks as Deputy Secretary of Defense... First in US History

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Kathleen Hicks, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (photo), as the next Deputy Secretary of Defense. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Hicks will become the first female Deputy Secretary of Defense in U.S. history.

On the 30th (local time), the Biden transition team officially announced Hicks' nomination as Deputy Secretary in a press release. Colin Kahl, who served as National Security Council (NSC) advisor during Biden's vice presidency, was nominated as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy.

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The transition team stated, "These individuals possess broad experience and crisis-honed judgment necessary to meet the future challenges we face," adding, "All have earned the trust of the President-elect and, together with nominee Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense, can contribute to restoring America's credibility on the world stage."

U.S. media reported that Hicks' appointment largely complements nominee Austin. Austin, a retired general, has only been retired for four years and thus does not meet the legal requirement of seven years retired to serve as Secretary of Defense. Although a waiver can be granted, considering the principle of civilian control of the military, Hicks, a civilian, was nominated as Deputy Secretary.

Additionally, Hicks is expected to play a significant role in formulating the Department of Defense's China strategy. Having served as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy during President Barack Obama's administration, Hicks participated in establishing the Asia-focused policy (pivot to Asia) aimed at countering China's rise. She also served as Deputy Director and Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), conducting research on China. For these reasons, it is anticipated that Hicks will play a key role in Asia policy formulation, assisting nominee Austin, who has experience as a Central Command commander familiar with Europe and the Middle East.

Hicks' appointment is also seen as a consideration for women's groups. Initially, there was speculation that Biden would nominate former Deputy Secretary of Defense Mich?le Flournoy as Secretary of Defense, but with Austin's nomination, the arrival of the first female Secretary of Defense has been postponed to a future opportunity.

According to the political media outlet Politico, a transition team official said, "Hicks has long worked in this field and knows what needs to be done, and the fact that she has broken the glass ceiling was likely also a factor."

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