Policy Press

Grand Strategy in 10 Words

A Guide to Great Power Politics in the 21st Century

By Sven Biscop

Published

Jun 14, 2021

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1529217513

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 14, 2021

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1529217506

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 14, 2021

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1529217520

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 14, 2021

Page count

262 pages

ISBN

978-1529217520

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Grand Strategy in 10 Words

In a world that has returned to great power rivalry, understanding the grand strategy of these powers is crucial. This book introduces ten key terms for analysing grand strategy and shows how the world’s great powers – the United States, China, Russia and the European Union (EU) – shape their strategic decisions today.

Outlining the steps needed for a less confrontational grand strategy and a more peaceful and stable world order, this lively and accessible introduction shows how the choices made in each of these ten areas will determine the course of world politics in the first half of the 21st century.

Sven Biscop is Director of the Europe in the World Programme at the Egmont–Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels and Professor at Ghent University. He is an Honorary Fellow of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), and an Officer in the Order of the Crown of the Kingdom of Belgium.

Introduction: No Peace from Corona – Why Grand Strategy and Great Powers Remain Important

1. Simple: But Not Easy

2. Competitive: The Other Players Have a Strategy Too

3. Rational: Reason Trumps Ideology, Religion, and Emotion

4. Allied: One Needs Allies but Cannot Always Choose Them

5. Comprehensive: There Is No Hard, Soft or Smart Power – Just Power

6. Creative: An Art as Well as a Science

7. Agile: Taking Decisions, Acting, and Taking New Decisions

8. Courageous: Dare to Go in, Dare to Get out, Dare to Stay out

9. Dirty: No Great Power Can Keep its Hands Clean

10. Proactive: A Strategy for Action

Conclusion: Power to Engage