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Grand Strategy

Grand strategy is the centerpiece of a nation’s foreign policy, setting national priorities to match available means with vital security goals. The United States’ post-Cold War grand strategy has proven to be a costly failure that has overstretched U.S. capabilities. A fundamental realignment of U.S. grand strategy emphasizing restraint is long overdue, and more urgent than ever.

GRAND STRATEGY EXPLAINED

GRAND STRATEGY EXPERTS

Photo of Benjamin Friedman

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities

Jennifer
Kavanagh

Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis

Defense Priorities

Photo of Chris McCallion

Christopher
McCallion

Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Daniel Davis

Daniel
Davis

Senior Fellow & Military Expert

Defense Priorities

Photo of Daniel DePetris

Daniel
DePetris

Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Rajan Menon

Rajan
Menon

Former Non-Resident Senior Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Will Ruger

William
Ruger

Former Non-Resident Senior Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Will Walldorf

William
Walldorf

Senior Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Erik Gartzke

Erik
Gartzke

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

op-edGrand strategy

Whatever happened to ‘America first?’

By Adam Gallagher

February 4, 2026

Since Christmas, the Trump administration has bombed Nigeria and boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, kidnapped the president of Venezuela […]

op-edGrand strategy, Greenland, NATO, Western Hemisphere

Donald Trump is endangering U.S. alliances

By Christopher McCallion

January 30, 2026

op-edGrand strategy, Alliances, Diplomacy

The end of ‘Pax Americana’ and start of a ‘post-American’ era doesn’t necessarily mean the world will be less safe

By Peter Harris

January 28, 2026

Symposia: Realistic recommendations for Trump II

Defense Priorities organized this symposium to stimulate thinking about policies that should be adopted by the incoming administration. Top experts shared their insights in an effort to inform and improve U.S. policy. Each contributor provided an answer to the same question: “What is the most important, realistic policy the incoming administration should adopt to advance U.S. national interests?”

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Region

Types

op-edGrand strategy

Whatever happened to ‘America first?’

By Adam Gallagher

February 4, 2026

op-edGrand strategy, Greenland, NATO, Western Hemisphere

Donald Trump is endangering U.S. alliances

By Christopher McCallion

January 30, 2026

op-edGrand strategy, Alliances, Diplomacy

The end of ‘Pax Americana’ and start of a ‘post-American’ era doesn’t necessarily mean the world will be less safe

By Peter Harris

January 28, 2026

In the mediaGrand strategy, Europe and Eurasia, Greenland, Western Hemisphere

Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine’ flaunts U.S. expansionism and intervention. But will it pay off long-term?

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

January 25, 2026

ExplainerWestern Hemisphere, Grand strategy

Move on from Washington’s outdated Cuba policy

By Daniel DePetris

January 23, 2026

op-edGrand strategy, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Greenland, Western Hemisphere

Trump’s Board of Peace could turn into a rat race

By Daniel DePetris

January 23, 2026

DEFP in the Media

Connect with Experts

Read at Washington Times: Trump’s ‘Donroe Doctrine’ flaunts U.S. expansionism and intervention. But will it pay off long-term?

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

January 25, 2026

Watch at The Trump Report: Trump is slowly losing the support of the U.S. military | Superpowers

Featuring Daniel Davis

January 23, 2026

Read at The Economist: The meaning of “America First” is in flux

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

January 20, 2026

EVENTS ON GRAND STRATEGY

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virtualGreat power competition, Balance of power, China, Grand strategy, Middle East

U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025

virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025

virtualSyria, Balance of power, Basing and force posture, Counterterrorism, Middle East, Military analysis

Syria after Assad: Prospects for U.S. withdrawal

February 21, 2025