To Dare Mighty Things

The definitive history of U.S. defense strategyMuch of the history of U.S. defense over the course of 250 years has been a story of success. Insulated by two oceans and mostly friendly neighbors, but constantly ambitious abroad, America has dared mighty things and often achieved them, argues defense analyst Michael OHanlon. After growing into a continental power, largely through force of arms, during the first half of its history, it then led the way to coalition victories in two world wars, pursued peace in the Cold War, and has contributed to the most democratic period in human history. But it is a more a dangerous nationa ? than most citizens appreciate, given that its leaders, as well as its people, are highly self-confident and activist. OHanlon claims that only by understanding this a national DNAa ? can we hope to steer safely through the twenty-first century. He further argues that, in contrast to its consistently assertive grand strategy, there has been no single defining American a way of wara ? since 1775a "e;a good thing, since what often worked for the country in the past may be of less relevance for the modern age.