On the Record On America’s Grand Strategy for the Future of Global Leadership
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Feb 13, 2026 
Robert D. Blackwill, CFR scholar and author proposing a 'resolute global leadership' grand strategy. Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., former Under Secretary of State and policy adviser offering critique and context. They debate U.S. legitimacy, military strength, tech competition, alliances, diplomacy, and how to balance government support with market dynamism in shaping American global leadership.
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World Order Changes Slowly
- World order evolves slowly and rarely ruptures absent global catastrophe.
- Grand strategy should flow from a clear reading of world order and defined national interests.
Resolute Global Leadership Defined
- 'Resolute global leadership' blends military strength with international legitimacy and diplomacy.
- It calls for bigger defense investment, alliance revitalization, and firm diplomacy with China and others.
Trumpism Versus Postwar Norms
- Trumpism abandons post-World War II constants like rules-based norms and alliance primacy.
- It emphasizes naked power, bilateral deals, border focus, and questions alliance value.
