How U.S. Grand Strategy Can Sustain and Strengthen the Global Order

US Grand Strategy and the Global Order

The Fragility of the Global Order

The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza has once again highlighted the fragile state of the world and the importance of a strong and steady United States in upholding the rules-based international order. The United States, if it stays on course with its grand strategy, has the power to prevent the collapse of the global order. However, the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president poses the biggest risk to this stability. It is crucial for the United States to maintain its focus on key challenges such as containing Russian aggression and addressing Chinese threats.

The Importance of the Rules-Based Order

The rules-based international order, established by the victors of World War Two, relies on global peace and prosperity. International treaties, with the United Nations Charter as its cornerstone, are not sufficient on their own. This order, which depends on American leadership and influence, is currently facing multiple challenges due to the weakening and internal divisions within the United States. Malign actors are more willing to break the rules, taking advantage of perceived vulnerabilities.

A More Complex Narrative

Although it is true that the United States is weaker and less economically dominant than it was in the past, the narrative that attributes all current crises to a decline in American power is simplistic. The so-called “Pax Americana” era was not entirely peaceful, as conflicts such as the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and multiple wars in the Middle East demonstrate. Furthermore, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and its allies were responsible for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which resulted in significant destruction and undermined American authority.

Efforts to Uphold the Rules-Based Order

Despite the ongoing conflicts and threats around the world, some countries are actively working to strengthen the rules-based order. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration has provided military aid to Kyiv and strengthened alliances in Europe and Asia. The G7 has also emphasized its support for the U.N. Charter and is seeking to assist developing countries in their sustainable growth. While more needs to be done in terms of financial resources, these efforts are a step in the right direction.

Challenges and Dangers

The current conflict in Israel poses risks to these efforts. If the violence spreads to other countries, the United States’ attempts to build bridges between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be jeopardized. Additionally, the U.S.’s unconditional provision of weapons to Israel, despite concerns about potential human rights violations, may lead countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause to view the United States as complicit in any atrocities. There is also the risk that the United States may struggle to simultaneously manage the Ukraine crisis, the Israel conflict, and the challenge from China.

Debating Approaches to Russia

There are two conflicting views within Washington on how to handle Russia. Some argue that the United States should redirect its limited supply of weapons to supporting Israel and Taiwan, while others maintain that supporting Ukraine against Russia is crucial in order to diminish the threat from China. President Biden’s strategy of supporting Ukraine aligns with the latter view, but he faces challenges in securing additional military aid for Kyiv from a dysfunctional Congress. If Donald Trump were to win the next presidential election, his support for Putin and lack of commitment to international alliances and order could further undermine the United States’ grand strategy.

Conclusion

The rules-based international order faces significant challenges, but it is still intact for now. The United States, through its grand strategy and consistent pursuit of global stability, has the ability to prevent the collapse of this order. It is imperative for the United States to remain focused on containing Russian aggression, addressing Chinese threats, and upholding the rules-based order. The world needs a strong and steady United States that is committed to global governance, power projection, diplomacy, multilateralism, and alliances. Failure to do so would have far-reaching consequences for global peace and prosperity.