Strategic Logic and the Pursuit of Interests in U.S. National Security Policy

Abstract

This research explores how strategic logic serves as a way to turn American national interests into real world political results in national security. It uses realist ideas from International Relations, like Kenneth Waltz's Neorealism, John J. Mearsheimer's Offensive Realism, and Colin Gray's ideas on strategy. Strategic logic is defined here as the method that makes sure political goals (ends), resources (means), and how things are done (ways) are logically aligned, even when things are uncertain and there are structural limits. The analysis shows that just having physical power is not enough to achieve national interests. Instead, what happens depends on how the world is set up and interacted, how threats are seen and analyzed, and considering the costs and benefits. Strategy becomes a way to balance the pressures of the structure and political decisions.

Keywords: Strategic Logic, National Interests, U.S. National Security, The United States of America, The People’s Republic of China.