Why the Third World Matters, Why Europe Probably Won't: The Geoeconomics of Circumscribed Engagement

In: The journal of strategic studies, Band 14, Heft 3, S. 255-298

Abstract

Four pillars of US influence in the world are identified: military strength, diplomatic/cultural influence, natural resource independence, & international trade competitiveness. Policies are offered that are designed to keep the first two pillars intact, & to reverse the erosion of the second two. Specifically, the strategy of "circumscribed engagement" is presented whereby the US would demarcate a zone of cooperation, (including the Western hemispheric bloc & a special interest area that includes Siberia, Oceania, & West/Central & Southern Africa) & a zone of competition (including Europe, the western USSR, the Far East, the Middle East, South Asia, etc) in the world. While policies toward the zone of cooperation are intended to strengthen economic & political ties between nations, policies toward the zone of competition reflect the need to maximize relative advantage while reducing financial, diplomatic, & military commitment. The adroit use of balance of power techniques to manage the external environment must be relearned. Involvement in the zone of competition must be extremely selective, & primarily limited to the temporary emplacement of "moving tripwires" on the basis of vital national interests. Military resources required to carry out such a strategy are considered. 2 Figures. Modified AA