Towards a Strategy of Competition.
Abstract
This essay is a hypothetical statement made by the Secretary of State (designate) appearing before his confirmation hearing conducted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 21 Jan 1985. Student postulates that our grand strategy of containment has proven to be neither an effective strategy nor viable theory; that this strategy today is no longer feasible nor desirable. In a very thought-provoking essay he advocates a strategy of competition as opposed to containment. This strategy would invoke a proactive theory versus our current reactive theory. Under a strategy of competition, we would apply our economic power and pursue a military strategy designed to enhance the deterrent credibility and capability of our convenational land forces through increased strategic deployment. The advocated strategy of competition would dispel four geopolitical myths: threat of USSR global domination; Soviet hegemony is leading an international order of global Marxism: the Soviet Union and her proxies are responsible for the revolutionary movements within developing nations; and that nuclear arms reductions should be undertaken only when this nation can negotiate from a position of strength in terms of PART III parity or superiority with the Soviet Union.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA121257
Entities
People
- Sterling P. Bassett
Organizations
- United States Army War College