America's Pursuit of the National Interests: Past, Present and Future
Abstract
The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 establishes a framework for the President of the United States to articulate the worldwide interests, objectives and goals vital to American national security as part of America's grand strategy. The most fundamental task in devising a grand strategy is to determine the national interests. Once identified, interests serve as the foundation for foreign policy and military strategy; they determine the basic direction...the types and amounts of resources needed, and the manner in which the state must employ them to succeed. American presidents have pursued national interests in varying degrees of coherence and success. The current and future strategic landscape requires strong leadership, ingenuity and an assessment of vital interests to secure America's superpower status in the not so distant future. This paper will analyze the concept of national interests, how interests are derived, and the challenges posed by various government theories and ideologies in the pursuit of national interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA480148
Entities
People
- Rodney T. Haggins
Organizations
- United States Army War College