To dare mighty things : U.S. defense strategy since the revolution / Michael O'Hanlon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

O'Hanlon, Michael E., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Military art and science--United States--History.

Military art and science.

National security--United States--History.

National security.

United States--Military policy.

United States.

United States--Defenses.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (325 pages) : maps.

Edition:

1st ed.

Other Title:

U.S. defense strategy since the Revolution

Place of Publication:

2026.

New Haven : Yale University Press, 2026.

Summary:

"The definitive history of U.S. defense strategy. Much of the history of U.S. defense over the course of 250 years has been a story of success. Insulated by two oceans and mostly friendly neighbors, but constantly ambitious abroad, America has dared mighty things and often achieved them, argues defense analyst Michael O'Hanlon. After growing into a continental power, largely through force of arms, during the first half of its history, it then led the way to coalition victories in two world wars, pursued peace in the Cold War, and has contributed to the most democratic period in human history. But it is a more 'dangerous nation' than most citizens appreciate, given that its leaders, as well as its people, are highly self-confident and activist. O'Hanlon claims that only by understanding this 'national DNA' can we hope to steer safely through the twenty-first century. He further argues that, in contrast to its consistently assertive grand strategy, there has been no single defining American 'way of war' since 1775 -- a good thing, since what often worked for the country in the past may be of less relevance for the modern age."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

American ways of war and (relative) peace

The Revolution and its aftermath, 1775-1815

From 1815 until 1900 : Strategies for offense, not defense

From quasi-isolationism to hegemony, 1901-1945

The Cold War

The post-Cold War

Defense planning in the new era of great power rivalry

America the assertive.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-304) and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: O'Hanlon, Michael E. To dare mighty things.

ISBN:

9780300289572

OCLC:

1564338189