This book, first published in 1975, is a comprehensive examination of specialised strategic studies, and deals with the theoretical and policy aspects of the topic. It argues that military power is an intrinsic part of the international system, with strategy being the means by which military power may be used to achieve political objectives. Hence, given the destructiveness of modern weapons it is the prime aim of the strategic doctrines of the major powers not to wage war, but to use their military potential to further their interests by less catastrophic means. However, outside the Cold War superpower confrontation, strategy exhibits many of its traditional aspects. This book analyses both types of strategy variations.

In the past decade, economic chaos, the War on Terror, climate change, nuclear proliferation, political divisions, and a variety of other issues have caused tension among nations and within the United States. Although America stood alone as the world's only superpower at the turn of the century, many question whether it can maintain its influential role on the global stage. America's Role in a Changing World discusses the economic, social, political, and historical forces that have shaped the country to provide an understanding of the challenges the country faces today and in the future.