Monte Erfourth
Introduction
For the United States, maintaining its position as the preeminent global superpower—one that enforces an international order rooted in liberal democratic norms—is both a daunting and vital national security objective. The challenge lies not merely in the preparation for war but in the daily task of operating within an evolving geopolitical environment. This requires military strategists to think beyond traditional notions of offense and defense, balancing competing imperatives to sustain and strengthen the global status quo while attempting to get beyond the reactionary mode of countering rivals exploiting methods below the armed conflict threshold. The challenge of our geopolitical times is maintaining or improving the status quo while not assuming a complacent defensive stance.
The Static Burden of Dominance
The United States’ dominant position at the top of the international hierarchy necessitates a unique approach to strategy. Unlike rising powers such as China and Russia, which seek to challenge and reshape the order, the U.S. must focus on preserving its gains and deterring disruptions to the existing system. This creates a somewhat static posture, requiring a mix of vigilance and adaptability. A purely defensive strategy risks ceding initiative to adversaries, while an overly aggressive approach could provoke unnecessary conflicts or overextend U.S. resources.
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