Allies and Rivals -- Interpreting America's Grand Strategy

Author: (American) Mark A. Stoler (Mark.A.Stoler), translated by Wang Zhenxi and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: A seminal work by the renowned American historian, Professor Mark A. Stoler, "Allies and Adversaries" profoundly explores the divisions and negotiation mechanisms between civil servants and the military, among different branches of the military, between the military and the intelligence community, and between the military and allied nations in the evolution of U.S. global strategy. Due to its richness and insight, the book has become a vital work for understanding 20th-century American grand strategy. The book consists of thirteen chapters divided into four overlapping yet distinct time periods, each chapter with its own theme. Chapters 2 to 3 focus on exploring the conflicts between branches of the military, between civil servants and the military, and between civilians and the military during the period from World War I to the Pearl Harbor attack. They also discuss the changes in U.S. strategy and military thought in foreign policy and alliances during this time. Chapters 4 to 7 analyze the strategic debates during 1942 and 1943, as well as the military's assessments of British and Soviet strategy and policy. Chapters 8 to 10 examine the shifts and unification of perspectives from 1944 to the beginning of 1945, when the military began seriously considering wartime and postwar issues. These changes influenced postwar planning, relations with the President and State Department, and the global vision of postwar national security. Chapters 11 to 13 explore the debates that had previously emerged but were gradually escalating within and between branches of the military, as well as between the military and government departments. They also discuss the intensifying Sino-American conflict as Germany and Japan surrendered one after another, and the shifts in perspectives and policies within the Joint Chiefs of Staff.