The President’s Inbox
TPI Replay: The Case for Liberal Realism, With Charles A. Kupchan
Dec 24, 2024
Charles A. Kupchan, a senior fellow at CFR and Georgetown University professor, shares insights on U.S. foreign policy amidst great power competition. He discusses the vital role of grand strategy in navigating a dynamic global landscape. Kupchan contrasts traditional and liberal realism, focusing on the intricate balance of power and domestic politics. He examines the U.S.'s evolution from isolationism to liberal internationalism and the challenges of operating in a multipolar world, advocating for a pragmatic approach that embraces both competition and cooperation.
37:35
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Quick takeaways
- Grand strategy serves as a crucial intellectual framework for navigating international relations, balancing strategic goals with the means to achieve them.
- Liberal realism emphasizes the importance of both competition and cooperation among great powers, advocating for a nuanced approach to foreign policy.
Deep dives
Understanding Grand Strategy
Grand strategy is defined as the intellectual framework that policymakers utilize to guide their statecraft decisions, balancing strategic ends with available means. It serves as an essential blueprint that helps navigate the complexities of international relations, particularly during crises. The discussion underscores the necessity of having foundational principles to avoid reckless decision-making, emphasizing the historical value of studying past events to inform current strategies. However, a cautionary note is raised against adhering too rigidly to one strategy, as flexibility is crucial in a rapidly changing global environment.
