Barry Posen

Barry Posen's book on restraint as a new foundation for American Grand Strategy is fascinating. While he applies these lessons to the USA, I am convinced most, or all, countries follow this approach.
The book follows a logical procession, from a first discussion of the elements of a grand strategy to an analysis of the American strategy, a discussion of the key issues in different parts of the world, and a discussion with firm recommendations.
The book is about ten years old, yet his show more recommendations are valid. You may argue about his regional analysis and disagree with some of his analyses. However, I do not believe disagreement should detract from the book's overall quality and methodological approach.
The writing is dry, bordering on the academic, yet is accessible for a patient reader. Any reader must remember a few key points, the major one being that the world has changed since he wrote the book. We now have a war in Ukraine, disaster in the Middle East, growing conflict in South Asia and China, and a changing world order.
What should the Americans do in such a scenario? Should they adopt a belligerent strategy or follow one of restraint?
Barry Posen's book is brilliant because its lessons remain valid, even though the global situation has changed and will remain unstable.
Barry Posen's book must be a primer for anyone engaged in geopolitics. show less