The United States National Security Strategy: Grand Strategy or Propaganda
Abstract
Within academic and military strategy circles, it is widely accepted that the United States National Security Strategy (NSS) is America's grand strategy. However, the extent to which there is widespread misuse, misunderstanding and disagreement on the meaning of grand strategy is inconceivable at times. The ambivalent attitude about a common, coherent understanding of the concept of grand strategy, which pervades the writings of both experts and students of strategic thought, is a cavalier approach to a crucial aspect of America's successful future. In the first chapter the paper establishes a foundation of terminology to provide continuity throughout the work. The terms national interest, elements of national power, grand strategy and national security are discussed and definitions provided. Subsequently, the study reviews the history of relevant Congressional actions to explore historical perspectives and determine whether grand strategy was in the mind of Congressional leaders when they levied the requirement for a National Security Strategy. Finally, using the previous chapters as a foundation, the paper critically analyzes the issues of Congressional intent, pluralism, and the National Security Strategy as propaganda. Through the analysis this study suggests that, by definition and intent, the United States National Security Strategy is not grand strategy and treating it as such has negative implications for the US in the post-Cold War new world order.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468868
Entities
People
- Patrick A. Mcclelland
Organizations
- National Defense University