Edited by Stephen D. Krasner and Amy Zegart, with the assistance of Karl W. Eikenberry, James D. Fearon, Francis Fukuyama, David M. Kennedy, and Abraham D. Sofaer

The United States is exceptionally secure. Many Americans, however, do not feel secure. This anxiety stems from the fact that the United States faces several long term threats that may or may not emerge. America must have a national security strategy that acknowledges this uncertainty and hedges as well as engages, acknowledging that resources are not limitless.

Three orienting principles should guide the national security strategy of the next president. First, we should be unapologetic about the pursuit of American economic and security interests and more tempered in the pursuit of ideals. Second, the United States should focus on nurturing and utilizing existing strengths. Third, the next president must focus on developing national capabilities (diplomatic, economic, political, military) that can be deployed against a number of different potential threats rather than being dedicated to any one possible kind of threat that might never manifest itself.

Pragmatic Engagement Amidst Global Uncertainty: Three Major Challenges, Edited by Stephen D. Krasner and Am... by Hoover Institution