Introduction: the evolution of post-Cold War US grand strategy -- What is grand strategy? -- The path to liberal hegemony -- The geo-strategic position of the United States -- Causes and consequences -- The perils of liberal hegemony -- Direct costs -- The balance of power -- The allies -- Identity politics and intervention -- Military power and intervention -- Overstated benefits -- Persistent problems -- The case for restraint -- The geo-political interests of the United States -- Nuclear weapons: dilemmas, dangers, opportunities -- The struggle with Al Qaeda and the enduring risk of international terrorism -- Implementing restraint in key regions -- The problems of transition to restraint -- Integrated reforms -- The military strategy of restraint -- Command of the commons -- The insights of maritime strategy -- Force structure -- Global force posture -- Affordable and effective -- Conclusion: a sustained debate -- Critiques of restraint -- Notes -- Index.