The Instruments of National Power: Achieving the Strategic Advantage in a Changing World
Abstract
This thesis uses the historical method to illustrate that the central aim of U.S. national security policy and strategy is and has been to achieve and maintain the core national interests (i.e., ensure the physical security of the nation, the nation's values, and the nation's economic prosperity) and core desired end-state (i.e., provide for the enduring security of the American people) by exerting the full spectrum and reach of its instruments of national power in peace and in war. To accomplish this, U.S. national security policy and strategy must dispose of the artificial walls currently separating their foundations and realign and resynchronize the capabilities resident in their instruments of national power. Doing so will enable the United States to achieve the strategic advantage. In sum, this thesis illustrates that national security encompasses homeland defense and security and that the current architecture is counterproductive because it destabilizes and retards U.S. capabilities by creating unnecessary friction and competition for resources between them, and it denigrates their capabilities to achieve the strategic advantage. Absent a secure homeland, there is no national security and no strategic advantage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA493955
Entities
People
- Craig W. Mastapeter
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School