US Grand Strategy: Revitalizing Global Order in an Uncertain World

The Importance of U.S. Grand Strategy in Maintaining the Global Order

The Fragile World and the Role of the United States

The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza has once again highlighted the fragility of the world we live in. It is during times like these that the role of the United States becomes crucial in preventing the collapse of the rules-based international order. Despite the risks and challenges, the United States must continue to navigate its relationships with Russia and China in order to maintain global peace and stability.

The Catch-all Term: Rules-Based International Order

The term “rules-based international order” refers to the system that was established by the victors of World War Two to promote global peace and prosperity. While international treaties, such as the United Nations Charter, lay the foundations for this system, it ultimately relies on the strength and influence of the United States. However, it is important to note that the narratives surrounding the United States’ role as the guardian of this order tend to oversimplify the complexities of global politics.

The Myth of Pax Americana

One common narrative suggests that the United States, during its so-called “Pax Americana” era, ensured peace and stability throughout the world. However, this narrative fails to acknowledge the bitter conflicts that occurred during the Cold War, such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. It also overlooks the fact that peace did not prevail after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as evidenced by the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Today’s Conflicts and Efforts to Defend the Rules-Based Order

While conflicts like the ones in Ukraine and Israel are indeed devastating, they have prompted some countries to rally behind the rules-based international order. The Biden administration, for example, has increased military aid to Ukraine and strengthened alliances in Europe and Asia. The U.S.-led Group of Seven (G7) has also emphasized its support for the UN Charter and has aimed to promote sustainable growth in developing nations.

However, the ongoing conflict in Israel poses risks to these efforts. If the conflict spreads to other countries, the United States’ attempts to build bridges between Israel and Saudi Arabia could collapse. Additionally, the United States’ role in providing weapons to Israel without conditions may lead to the perception that America is complicit in any atrocities, thus undermining its attempts to gain support in the developing world.

Furthermore, there is the challenge of managing the Ukraine crisis, the Israel conflict, and the growing threat from China concurrently. While the Biden administration has expressed confidence in handling all three issues, there is concern that political support for Ukraine is already waning, and it could be deprioritized in the face of other challenges.

Navigating Rival Narratives and Strategic Choices

Within the United States, there are differing views on how to handle the Russia-China dynamic. Some argue that the U.S. should redirect its limited resources away from Ukraine and towards supporting Israel and Taiwan. However, others, including President Biden, maintain that aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia is crucial in countering the threat from China and ensuring the security of U.S. allies in the region.

It is clear that President Biden’s strategy, which emphasizes a comprehensive approach to both Russia and China, is the wiser choice. However, the success of this strategy relies on the United States’ ability to secure political and financial support, which is not guaranteed, especially given the current political climate.

The Stakes of the Next U.S. Presidential Election

Looking ahead, the U.S. presidential election will play a significant role in determining the future of U.S. grand strategy and, by extension, the global order. If former President Donald Trump were to win, there would likely be a shift in priorities and a potential weakening of the United States’ commitment to the rules-based international order. Trump’s unpredictable nature and lack of support for multilateral alliances would undermine the cohesive pursuit of a grand strategy.

Editorial: Upholding the Global Order

The recent conflicts in Israel and Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the fragile state of the world we inhabit. In these challenging times, it is imperative that the United States fulfills its role as the guardian of the rules-based international order. The U.S. grand strategy must not waver, and it is crucial for the Biden administration to continue to navigate its relationships with Russia and China while prioritizing global peace and stability.

The notion of a Pax Americana, an era of American dominance and peace, is flawed and fails to account for the complexities and conflicts that occurred during this period. However, it is the responsibility of the United States and its allies to defend and strengthen the rules-based international order, learning from past mistakes and taking into account the evolving global landscape.

The ongoing conflict in Israel presents risks and challenges to the United States’ efforts to strengthen the global order. It is imperative that the U.S. carefully manages its involvement and maintains a balanced approach to prevent further escalation. Moreover, the United States must not lose sight of other critical challenges, such as the Ukraine crisis and the growing threat from China, and ensure that these issues are addressed in a comprehensive manner.

The upcoming U.S. presidential election will shape the trajectory of U.S. grand strategy and consequently impact the global order. It is essential that the next elected president remains committed to the rules-based international order, recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges and the importance of collective action.

In conclusion, the global order is at a precarious juncture, and the United States has a significant role to play in upholding it. The U.S. must continue to navigate its relationships with Russia and China, support its allies, and promote multilateralism. Only by doing so can we strive for a more peaceful and prosperous world.