American Strategy Succeeds When Force Serves Bounded Political Aims
Brookings senior fellow Michael O’Hanlon argues in To Dare Mighty Things that American strategy works best when military power, alliances and deterrence serve a bounded political purpose—and fails when force is asked to remake societies or achieve ends leaders have not clearly defined. In a conversation with Hoover’s Michael Boskin, O’Hanlon calls this approach “resolute restraint”: maintain credible power and defend vital interests, but commit to war only when its objectives, means and durable political support align.
Hoover Institution·Aug 24, 2026·16 min read
