The peace of illusions : American grand strategy from 1940 to the present

In a provocative exploration of American hegemony, Christopher Layne argues that U.S. foreign policy has remained consistent for over sixty years, with the current administration relying on outdated mid-twentieth-century tactics. He questions what the nation’s grand strategy should be for the coming decades, highlighting that the end of the Cold War significantly transformed the global landscape, yet U.S. foreign policy has not adapted accordingly. Layne contributes to the debate on American grand strategy and the implications of "American empire," advocating for a strategy he terms "offshore balancing." This approach suggests that instead of seeking to dominate other states, the U.S. should focus on diplomacy to maintain a balance among major powers. Intervention should only occur when another state poses a significant threat to this balance. Through extensive archival research, Layne examines the evolution of U.S. foreign policy since 1940, exploring missed opportunities and the strategic goals of various administrations. His offshore-balancing strategy, aimed at extending the "American Century," represents a potential shift in current policy. Layne’s insights into contemporary decision-making are informed by both international relations theory and American diplomatic history.