End of Grand Strategy: US Maritime Operations in the Twenty-First Century

Simon Reich and Peter Dombrowski argue that grand strategy is dead and that each presidential administration resorts to a variety of strategies due to changes in the global system, bureaucratic politics, and practical limitations of field operations. They examine six major maritime operations to demonstrate that one size does not fit all and that grand strategy, as we know it, is no longer feasible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2018
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In their groundbreaking work, Simon Reich and Peter Dombrowski challenge the conventional notion of grand strategy as a unitary concept. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced and practical approach that emphasizes the diverse range of strategies employed by American presidents. By examining six significant maritime operations, each representing a distinct grand strategy, the authors argue that the attempt to impose a single overarching blueprint is no longer feasible in the complex and dynamic global system. They declare that grand strategy, as we have known it, has given way to a new era of adaptability and flexibility.

The book is a must-read for policymakers, military strategists, and analysts, as well as critics from advocacy groups and think tanks. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the changing landscape of grand strategy and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries.

One of the key arguments made by Reich and Dombrowski is that the global system has undergone a series of fundamental changes that have rendered traditional grand strategies obsolete. These changes include the rise of new powers, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the increasing complexity of international relations. As a result, presidents are forced to adopt a variety of strategies to address these complex challenges, ranging from military intervention to economic sanctions, diplomatic engagement, and cultural diplomacy.

Another important aspect of the book is its examination of the role of bureaucratic politics in shaping grand strategy. The authors argue that the political dynamics within the executive branch, as well as the competing interests of different agencies and departments, can significantly influence the direction and outcomes of military operations. They highlight the need for a more collaborative and integrated approach to grand strategy, where different stakeholders work together to develop and implement a comprehensive plan.

Reich and Dombrowski also address the practical limitations of field operations in shaping grand strategy. They argue that the physical distance and logistical challenges of conducting military operations in different parts of the world can limit the options available to presidents. They suggest that a more flexible and adaptable approach is necessary, where presidents are willing to leverage a range of tools and resources to achieve their objectives, including cyber operations, special forces, and proxy forces.

In conclusion, The End of Grand Strategy is a thought-provoking and timely book that challenges the conventional understanding of grand strategy. By advocating for a more nuanced and practical approach, Reich and Dombrowski provide valuable insights into the complex and dynamic world of international relations. The book is essential reading for policymakers, military strategists, and analysts, as well as critics from advocacy groups and think tanks.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 164 x 239 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501714627