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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

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, Iran, Israel, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Despite setbacks, trends still point to US foreign policy restraint

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 19, 2025

It’s been only a few days since Israel first struck Iranian nuclear and regime targets, but Washington’s remaining neoconservatives and long-time Iran hawks […]

op-edGrand strategy, Diplomacy, Europe and Eurasia

Hidden in the U.S. Army’s New Reform Initiative Is a Warning for Europe

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 16, 2025

In the mediaChina, Air power, Asia, Balance of power, Global posture, Land power, Naval power

What does China’s military gain from operating 2 aircraft carriers in second island chain?

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

June 13, 2025

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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The Latest

Region

Types

op-edGrand strategy, Iran, Israel, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Despite setbacks, trends still point to US foreign policy restraint

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 19, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, Diplomacy, Europe and Eurasia

Hidden in the U.S. Army’s New Reform Initiative Is a Warning for Europe

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 16, 2025

In the mediaChina, Air power, Asia, Balance of power, Global posture, Land power, Naval power

What does China’s military gain from operating 2 aircraft carriers in second island chain?

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

June 13, 2025

op-edNorth Korea, Air power, Asia, Balance of power, Global posture, Land power, Naval power

Trump’s North Korea Conundrum

By Daniel DePetris

June 12, 2025

In the mediaGrand strategy, Alliances

US reviewing Aukus submarine pact as part of ‘America First’ agenda

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

June 11, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, Houthis, Iran, Middle East, Syria

Under Donald Trump, Restraint Is Winning

By Alexander Langlois

June 4, 2025

DEFP in the Media

Connect with Experts

Read at South China Morning Post: What does China’s military gain from operating 2 aircraft carriers in second island chain?

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

June 13, 2025

Read at BBC: US reviewing Aukus submarine pact as part of 'America First' agenda

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

June 11, 2025

Read at Nikkei Asian Review: Trump's cost-benefit doctrine defines foreign policy, 80 years post-WWII

Featuring Edward King

June 3, 2025

See All Events

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

Past Virtual Event: U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025

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

Past Virtual Event: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025

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

Past Virtual Event: Syria after Assad: Prospects for U.S. withdrawal

February 21, 2025