- Critically assess and evaluate Robert Gates’ arguments and analysis. What does he get wrong about the conduct of US foreign policy and the “exercise” of American power? Provide examples and include details that he omits in his discussion throughout the book. If his view of what’s wrong with United States is off-base or incorrect, why is it incorrect? What should be the basis for American foreign policy going forward? Why do you think as you do? Provide additional examples and cases to support for your arguments.
- How should the various instruments of power be coordinated and optimized to advance America’s national interests? What does Gates argue about the challenges and problems in coordinating and optimizing the foreign policy of the United States? Drawing from two chapters in the book, provide examples of what did or did not work in the utilization of those instruments of power. In your discussion of those chapters, analyze what did or did not work.
- Why did the military become so prominent in the conduct and execution of America’s foreign policy in the post-Cold War world? Provide examples from the book. If the military has become too central, what has it displaced whether intentionally or unintentionally? What are the significant risks from the diminishing role of the other instruments of power in shaping America’s foreign policy? Is America actually more at risk because of that diminishing role for those other instruments? Why or why not? Provide examples.
- If the world has become more unstable and insecure according to Stares and America will continue to be “unrivaled” in the view of Beckley, how will the instruments of power work in dealing with that instability and insecurity as well as protecting America’s interests? Connect and discuss with the issues that Gates raises. In your essay, address at least two current issues and challenges such as Russia, Iran, China, or North Korea. Who among America’s national security establishment is best positioned to deal with increasing rivalry and insecurity in the world? Can anyone in that establishment maneuver effectively to safeguard America’s interests in the face of resentment over America’s standing in the world? Why or why not?
Book:
-Gates Exercise of PowerChapters 12 and 13, “China: Competition, Conflict, or Something Else?”and “Lessons Learned
- Gates Exercise of PowerChapter 10 and 1
- Gates Exercise of PowerChapters 8-9, and “Africa: A Success Story”and “Russia”Opportunity Missed?”
- Robert M. Gates Exercise of Power:American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World (New York: Penguin Random House, 2020)
- Robert M. Gates Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World Chapter 1 “The Symphony of Power”
- Gates Exercise of Power Chapters 2-3, “Exercising Power”and “Iran: Great Satan’s Bane”
- Gates Exercise of PowerChapters 4-5, “Somalia, Haiti, and the Yugoslav Wars: Good Intentions and the Road to Hell”and “Colombia: The Plan That Worked (Mostly”
- Gates Exercise of Power, Chapter 6-7, “Afghanistan: the War Without End”and “Iraq: A Curse”