In recent years, debates over American grand strategy have often focused
on the question of whether the United States should retrench
geopolitically or seek to renew its international leadership. This
collection of essays puts this pressing question in its proper
historical and theoretical context. The authors examine past episodes in
which American presidents were confronted with similar choices, and they
probe theoretical and policy debates over retrenchment, renewal, and
their consequences. The result is a volume that enriches our
understanding of how American leaders have, can, and should respond to
the challenges and opportunities that characterize international
relations. The Strategic Studies Institute is pleased to offer this
collection as a contribution to the ongoing debate on American grand
strategy.