Grand Strategy is a Not a Quick Fix
Grand strategy isn’t about this fiscal quarter, or administration, or even this decade. It’s about decades of pursuing the world you define as worth creating. It will not be linear, and every difficulty does not signal complete failure, just a tougher row to hoe.
That’s hard to keep in mind when you live in a instant gratification world. It’s nonetheless true.
Our “grand strategy” reminds me of that old New Yorker cartoon.
(1) The U.S. declares its preemptive right to invade any country that might one day be a threat.
(2) The U.S. promotes direct democracy in nations alienated by (1).
(3) A miracle occurs.
(4) The world becomes safe for human rights, the pursuit of happiness, and a McDonald’s near you.
Like the cartoon says, we need some more detail on part (3).