Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Embracing Strategic Empathy

Published December 8, 2020

The balance of power and persuasion in the world has shifted against the United States and other free and open societies. False assumptions stemming from overconfidence after the Cold War have resulted in strategic narcissism in American foreign affairs. By adopting strategic empathy, we can combat the negative effects of strategic narcissism and secure a better world for future generations.

Discussion Questions

  1. How has the United States displayed strategic narcissism in foreign policy?
  2. How do current challenges to national security differ from those faced before the end of the Cold War? How are they the same?

Additional Resources:

  • Read “Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World,” by H. R. McMaster. Available here.
  • Watch “Battlegrounds: International Perspectives on Crucial Challenges to Security and Prosperity,” a video series with H. R. McMaster. Available here.
  • Listen to “Defending the Free World,” an episode of the GoodFellows podcast with H. R. McMaster. Available here.

Cast

H.R. McMaster

H.R. McMaster

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