“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

Have a response or an idea for your own article? Follow the logo below, and you too can contribute to The Bridge:

Enjoy what you just read? Please help spread the word to new readers by sharing it on social media.

Header Image: Photo by Sonder Quest on Unsplash