Publication

This commentary considers how the US' experiences during the Cold War might influence its current grand strategy, particularly when it comes to deciding just how involved Washington should be in global affairs. The text's author ultimately draws eight lessons learned from the Cold War era which revolve around 1) the economic case for decreasing the US' global presence; 2) America's role in maintaining international stability; 3) the benefits and costs of US alliances; 4) the wisdom of democracy promotion; 5) the global impact of reductions in US military power; 6) the virtues of a limited amount of retrenchment; 7) whether the US is in decline or not; and 8) the role that history played in shaping US policy during the Cold War and how it can continue to play a role today.