Discussion with Hal Brands on the art of strategy throughout history, exploring US strategy towards China, proxy warfare tactics by Iran, and the global strategic vision of John Quincy Adams.
Strategy requires adaptability in navigating dynamic environments.
Strategy encompasses economic, diplomatic, and grand strategic considerations.
Democracies excel in strategic decision-making over the long term.
Deep dives
Overview of The New Makers of Modern Strategy Book
The book edited by Hal Brans, with contributions from 45 experts, delves into historical and contemporary grand strategy. It explores the evolution of strategic thinking, including key figures such as Thucydides, Clozovitz, and modern policymakers like Kasim Solamani and Kim Jong Un. By tracing the practice of strategy in various historical contexts, the book aims to provide insights for addressing present-day strategic challenges in an era of renewed global power competition.
Understanding the Definition of Strategy
In the podcast, Hal Brans simplifies the definition of strategy as the art of achieving significant goals with limited resources amidst adversarial conditions. He emphasizes the complexity of strategic decision-making, highlighting the need for adaptability and judgment in navigating dynamic and competitive environments. Brans stresses that while historical experiences inform strategic understanding, each situation requires unique interpretations and applications of strategy.
Differentiating Strategy and Tactics
A distinction is drawn between strategy and tactics, where tactics focus on winning individual battles, while strategy involves using engagements to secure overall victory in a conflict. The concept of strategy has evolved to encompass economic, diplomatic, and grand strategic considerations, reflecting a broader and integrated approach to achieving long-term national objectives.
Lessons Learned from Historical Strategies
The podcast underscores the interconnectedness of strategy with politics and domestic ideologies, demonstrating how strategic projects are often shaped by a country's political landscape and societal aspirations. Drawing on historical examples, the discussion highlights that democracies, with mechanisms for accountability and leadership changes, tend to excel in strategic decision-making over the long term. By examining the historical nexus of strategic intent and political systems, valuable insights emerge for crafting effective national strategies.
Navigating Current Geopolitical Challenges
The podcast explores challenges in formulating effective US strategies towards China, Iran, and North Korea by leveraging insights from the historical contexts discussed in the book. It emphasizes the importance of understanding adversaries' intentions, capabilities, and political dynamics as foundations for devising comprehensive and adaptive strategies. By addressing emerging threats and navigating the complexities of power competition, the podcast advocates for informed decision-making and strategic alignment with historical lessons.
Reflections on US Global Engagement
Through the lens of historical figures like John Quincy Adams, the podcast underscores the transformative role of US global engagement in shaping modern international order. By examining America's pivotal role in fostering stability, economic prosperity, and democratic values worldwide, it underscores the significance of sustained US leadership in maintaining a peaceful and democratic world. The discussion cautions against retreating from global responsibilities, highlighting the potential repercussions of a diminished US global role on international stability and norms.
Michael talks with Hal Brands, who edited the new book "The New Makers of Modern Strategy: From the Ancient World to the Digital Age." It focuses on how the theory and practice of war and statecraft have been shaped throughout the centuries. Hal is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
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