By Hans Binnendijk and Richard L. Kugler

This book presents an intellectual history of national security thinking in the period since the end of the Cold War. It is an attempt to see the evolving international system and America’s role in it through the eyes of more than fifty perceptive authors who have analyzed aspects of the unfolding post–Cold War drama.

Its premise is that, like the blind men in the Buddhist fable who each feels a different part of the elephant, these authors and their assessments, taken together, can give us a better view of where the world is headed. In that fable, each blind man reported on a part of the elephant: its tusk, ear, leg, or tail. While the reports of the blind men were all different and none was particularly accurate, taken together they gave a better picture of the whole elephant. This book presents, not blind men, but some of the keenest observers of the international scene and of America’s role in it. However, even these observers each tends to see only a part of the international system—only part of the elephant. By combining their observations into one picture, we hope to be able to see more of the whole elephant.

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The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any other agency of the Federal Government. Cleared for public release; distribution unlimited.

Portions of this book may be quoted or reprinted without permission, provided that a standard source credit line is included. NDU Press would appreciate a courtesy copy of reprints or reviews.

First printing, November 2006.