Understanding U.S. Grand Strategy

At its best, grand strategy is not fundamentally about the military application of force, but rather an appreciation of its potential, along with the other instruments of power, in the mind of the adversary. Effective grand strategy may often preclude the need to resort to force. To achieve this, a society's involvement in its own national defense, a strong, stable and globally networked economy, an effective domestic politics that can make rational decisions over time in support of national security, and the promotion of values that invite support and consensus at home and abroad.