A Proposed United States Grand Strategy for 2015-2030

Abstract

Abstract : How should the United States achieve its national security objectives, given its current and projected economic condition, for the period 2015 to 2030? This paper examines the imbalance of stated United States national security objectives (ends) with the current and projected economic resources (means) to accomplish these objectives. A basic premise of this paper is the following: for the United States to preserve its ability to function as a great power within the international system of the 2030-2040 timeframe, this nation must regenerate its economic strength and recapitalize select defense capabilities during the 2015-2030 period. Not doing so risks this country's global position and power in the mid-21st century. For a successful regeneration and recapitalization effort, the 2015-2030 period will require a modification to current national security plans and policies. This examination includes a review of current U.S. grand strategy objectives, provides analysis of the current U.S. economic situation and impact on future grand strategy, includes a historical review of selected past great powers and their efforts to maintain power within the international system, and offers recommendations for designing a U.S. grand strategy for the 2015-2030 timeframe.