“Questions are our best friends for the invention and refinement of strong useful theory, and they are the lethal enemies of poor theory.” So suggests Colin Gray. These questions then undergird and shape strategic thinking. What theoretical and empirical question should most inform the rewriting of the U.S. National Security Strategy? This quarter’s series seeks compelling arguments to inform the senior leaders responsible for authoring the next U.S. National Security Strategy.

Possible topics for the National Security Strategy include but are not limited to:

Collective security regimes, international institutions, and enduring alliances
Climate change
New insights on great power competition
International perspectives, suggestions for the U.S. National Security Strategy
Afghanistan strategy, force posture, and/or mission
Regional policy to Africa, South Asia, China, Europe, etc.
Counterterrorism and/or countering violent extremism abroad and at home
Emerging flashpoints: the Arctic, South China Sea, Iran, Low Earth Orbit, etc.
Women, peace, and security
Biosecurity at home and/or abroad
Modern nuclear deterrence, escalation dynamics, and/or arms agreements
Changing dynamics of space or cyberspace security
Human rights, peacekeeping, and/or peacemaking
Globalization, economic diplomacy, finance, and/or developmental economics
Economic innovation, (defense) industrial policy, and/or sustainable growth
Education, infrastructure, and/or human capital development

Parameters

Between 2000 and 2500 words
Deadline: 4 February
Selected Submissions will be published mid- to late-March
Submissions should follow guidance available here or they will be rejected

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