U.S. Grand Strategy for the 1990s and Beyond
Abstract
The changes of 1989 imply a transformed U.S. global role, from leading a worldwide alliance against other power centers to helping other countries make the world a safer and a more prosperous place. These changes also suggest prompt examination of national objectives and goals, to assure that military resources necessary to support them are available. At a minimum, that means active forces adequate for territorial defense. Furthermore, the experience of the last 40 years testifies to some continued need for nuclear weapons and some form of global reach, the ability to punish at a distance. These changes justify modifications in force planning away from the worst contingency toward lesser and more likely regional conflicts. Aside from strategic forces and some capability to punish at a distance, that means planning for smaller and less ready heavy forces, plus more light forces and lift, and a healthy mobilization base against major contingencies. Choices break down into four possible future strategies: (1) Retain the full range of mission capabilities; (2) Rely mostly on collective security by preparing to engaging in combat operations only in cooperation with others; (3) Confine U.S. military cooperation with others primarily to logistic and technical support; or (4) Return to a modern version of the 1930s, maintaining a mobilization base against the worst contingencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA255879
Entities
People
- Thomas Hirshchfeld
Organizations
- RAND Corporation