The Grand Strategy Sessions Zack Cooper: Strategic Insolvency and Multipolarity
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Sep 22, 2025 Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Princeton lecturer, discusses the future of U.S. foreign policy in a multipolar world. He defines 'fragmented multipolarity' and contrasts military dynamics in different regions. They touch on the necessity for hard strategic choices, advocating for a shift in U.S. commitments towards building flexible coalitions. The conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of U.S. reliability on allies and China’s strategic outreach, while also addressing the risks of nuclear proliferation among allies.
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Fragmented Multipolarity Emerges
- The world is moving toward fragmented multipolarity with varying regional dynamics.
- Security orders differ by region, creating a messy strategic environment that defies one-size-fits-all policy.
Military Edge Is Uneven
- Military dominance varies by region while U.S. technological lead remains stronger but contested.
- American public doubts and strategic strain will push policymakers toward hard choices and prioritization.
Prioritize Strategic Choices
- Make difficult strategic choices and prioritize where to allocate limited resources.
- Accept that the U.S. is not structured to make those choices yet and must reform its approach.