Our curated content continues to track what the most perceptive voices have to say about key developments relevant to Grand Strategy. A continuing theme, of course, is the enormous question of China. On this topic we suggest our readers consult a piece by Jessica Chen Weiss and Ali Wyne, arguing that China's "nationalism" will ultimately undermine its status domestically and on the world stage. One of the most important facets of Grand Strategy is regional prioritization. Toward this end, we recommend Aaron David Miller and Richard Sokolsky's provocative piece re-assessing and indeed diminishing the regional importance of the Middle East generally. For specific regional support of this thesis, specifically on the question of US military engagement in Syria, Tom O'Connor & Naveed Jamali offer an insightful analysis. Christopher Mott offers additional insight into the possibly counterproductive role of our Syria policy thus far. To prioritize regionally, one needs a certain degree of flexibility with respect to alliances. Luke Nicastro lays out a persuasive case of how one must think of alliances in order to optimize Grand Strategy in the long term--alliances are means, not ends. Finally, our curated coverage continues to explore the implications of the 2020 election on Grand Strategy. On this topic we recommend an excellent piece by Richard Hanania contextualizing the alleged threat of foreign interference in the election. Finally, readers interested in Biden's foreign policy will benefit from Shireen Hunter's piece. Original Posts Richard Hanania, RealClearDefense This month, U.S. intelligence reported that Russia wants Donald Trump to win reelection, while China and Iran seek to help Joe Biden. Both sides of the political aisle have cited the... Essential Reading Samuel Moyn, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Bottom Line: Rather than debating how war should be fought, Americans should debate whether war should be fought in the first place. Policymakers should focus on how to control the u... In the News Daniel DePetris, Washington Examiner Christopher Mott, Business Insider Gil Barndollar, The Hill Doug Bandow, National Interest Tom O'Connor & Naveed Jamali, Newsweek Aaron David Miller & Richard Sokolsky, Politico Luke Nicastro, American Conservative Daniel DePetris, Responsible Statecraft Eric Gomez, Cato Institute Doug Bandow, American Conservative Daniel Larison, American Conservative Paul Brian & Arthur Bloom, American Conservative Jessica Chen Weiss & Ali Wyne, New York Times Shireen Hunter, Responsible Statecraft Samuel Hickey and Jessica Budlong, Responsible Statecraft Net Assessment Zack, Chris, and Melanie get together to talk about what American foreign policy might look like after Jan. 20, 2021. Would President Joe Biden seek a restoration of Obama administration policies, or will he stake out his own doctrine? What will the economic side of America’s foreign policy look like in a second Trump or first Biden administration? Can America’s relationships with allies survive another Trump term? |