US grand strategy and the madman theory
From Nixon to Trump
Book •
James D. Boys examines the intellectual origins and application of the madman theory within U.S.
grand strategy, tracing its development from the Nixon era through to Donald Trump's presidencies.
The book situates the theory in its intellectual home around Harvard, discussing figures like Schelling, Ellsberg and Kissinger, and analyzes cases including Vietnam, Korea, NATO relations, and Middle East policy.
Boys evaluates how the tactic of feigning unpredictability has been used against both adversaries and allies, and how it has succeeded or failed in different contexts.
He explores contemporary applications in the Middle East and considers common misapplications of the concept.
The work offers both historical narrative and strategic analysis to understand when and how the madman approach can influence international relations.
grand strategy, tracing its development from the Nixon era through to Donald Trump's presidencies.
The book situates the theory in its intellectual home around Harvard, discussing figures like Schelling, Ellsberg and Kissinger, and analyzes cases including Vietnam, Korea, NATO relations, and Middle East policy.
Boys evaluates how the tactic of feigning unpredictability has been used against both adversaries and allies, and how it has succeeded or failed in different contexts.
He explores contemporary applications in the Middle East and considers common misapplications of the concept.
The work offers both historical narrative and strategic analysis to understand when and how the madman approach can influence international relations.
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Freddy Gray
Can anyone beat a madman president?
