Module 3: Grand Strategy I and Isolationism

Question 1

What is the definition of Grand Strategy?

Answer 1

The set of overarching ideas that guide the conduct of foreign policy

Identifies the set of interests that the US should pursue and the appropriate policy means to achieve these goals

Question 2

How does grand strategy relate to domestic partisanship?

Answer 2

There can be different grand strategy wings within a political party, thus strategy cannot be equated with partisanship in the US because partisanship is not a perfect predictor for grand strategy positions

Question 3

What are the components of grand strategy?

Answer 3

1. Isolationism
2. Offshore balancing
3. Selective engagement
4. Restraint (isolationism + OB + SE)
5. Liberal internationalism
6. Primacy
7. Liberal hegemony (LI + primacy)

Question 4

How can the components of grand strategy be used to differentiate among its varieties?

Answer 4

1. National interests
   a. Regional vs global
   b. Content of interests
2. Principal threats facing the US
3. Optimal policy instruments or means
   a. Unilateralism vs multilateralism

Question 5

What are some of the central policy claims and arguments contained in Obama’s West Point Speech?

Answer 5

1. National interests geared around counter terrorism policies
2. Calls for broader promotion of democracy and human dignity
3. Rebuilding the national economy
4. Relying on partners/international institutions more than military force
5. Elevates terrorism as the greatest threat facing the US
6. Criticizes isolation, that the US can not retreat borders
7. Criticizes LI/primacy, saying we cannot rely on military force
8. Wants to challenge Republicans and the idea that the US is in decline

Question 6

What is the definition of Isolationism? Examples?

Answer 6

Strives to reduce the role of the US in international politics, and safeguard its interests by keeping the outside world at a safe distance (e.g. George Washington’s Farewell Address, succession of Republican administration in the 1920s following the Wilson presidency, FDR’s first term when the US withdrew from European politics (1933) to save itself from the Great Depression), during/after the Cold War)

Question 7

What is the definition of Liberal Hegemony? Examples?

Answer 7

The fusion of liberal internationalism and primacy

Question 8

What are some risks/shortcomings of liberal hegemony as outlined by Posen?

Answer 8

1. Provokes anti-American backlash
2. Allies shirking
3. Quagmires in identity conflicts

Question 9

What are the components of Posen’s alternative grand strategy?

Answer 9

Posen argues for a more restrained foreign policy that fuses components of isolationism and selective engagement:

1. Limited core missions
2. Scale back alliance commitments
3. Avoid counterinsurgency
4. Cut military spending

Question 10

What does Posen believe to be 3 missions that are key to American security and reducing alliance commitments?

Answer 10

1. Preventing the rise of a powerful rival
2. Fighting terrorism
3. Preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons