In recent policy debates, realists have urged a grand strategy of “restraint” or “offshore balancing” on the United States. Policymakers have largely ignored them. This paper explains why. To advise that America should adopt restraint implies that it can do so. I argue that as a result...

The United States needs a defense budget worthy of its name, one that protects Americans rather than wasting vast sums embroiling us in controversies remote from our interests. This paper outlines such a defense strategy and the substantial cuts in military spending that it allows. That strategy...

The end of the Cold War ushered in a unipolar world, cementing U.S. dominance over a generally liberal international order. Yet where once it seemed that U.S. foreign policy would be simpler and easier to manage as a result, the events of the past 15 years — the 9/11 attacks, the invasions of...