Life After the George W. Bush Administration: A New US Strategy Towards China for Future Administrations
Abstract
In November 2008, U.S. citizens will go to the polls to choose a new President and a new administration. The Bush administration's strategy of engagement with China is designed to build a peaceful relationship through diplomatic, informational, military, and economic (DIME) dialogue. Whether U.S. policy makers follow the status quo or choose another strategy will be of great importance in America's effort to retain its status as the sole superpower. This monograph is about strategy and the use of strategy in guiding actions towards a peer competitor. The author offers the next administration a recommended strategy towards China. However, before doing so, he examines current international relations theories and how these theories help provide a framework for grand strategy. History has shown that strategy involves more than applying military might to solve problems between warring countries or parties. A good strategy involves more than just the military; it also includes diplomatic actions, information strategies, and economic measures all designed to cause another nation's actions to conform to regional, national, and/or multinational objectives. The new administration needs to adopt a new strategy towards China that consists of the United States engaging regionally within the whole of Asia as a counterbalance to any hegemony actions of China while restraining China's economic rise. The United States must use a strategy that incorporates all elements of national power to include diplomatic courting, information superiority, military dominance through concealment, and economic integration with surrounding nations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA485601
Entities
People
- Ronald B. Ross
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College