Articles
Who Needs The Bomb?
The Purpose of Nuclear Deterrence.
October 20, 2026
Published: February 28, 2018
For the past twenty years, the United States has been operating mostly unguided by a coherent security strategy. As a result, we have been too reactive to events and crises. To effectively manage our national security, we need a strategy that is clearly defined, communicated, and supported.
Discussion Questions
- Is America responsible for international order?
- Could we have avoided any of the wars post WWII if we had a clear strategy? If so, how?
- What results have we witnessed recently due to an ill-defined strategy?
Additional Resources
- Read James O. Ellis, James N. Mattis, and Kori Schake's chapter "Restoring Our National Security" in Blueprint for America.
- Click here to find the rest of Blueprint for America.
- Hoover Institution Fellow Kori Schake responds to questions related to the making of empty threats in foreign policy on Kori Schake On Making Empty Threats In Foreign Policy.
- Learn why making empty threats in foreign affairs threatens national security and destroys credibility; available here.