AT THE CENTER

US Grand Strategy and the Madman Theory: From Nixon to Trump

What happens when a president convinces the world he might just do the unthinkable? In US Grand Strategy and the Madman Theory, James D. Boys argues that projecting calculated irrationality can terrify adversaries into submission, but at enormous risk. From Nixon’s secret Cold War gambits to Trump’s chaotic tweet-driven diplomacy, Boys explores how these two

"The cold, hard truth is that tariffs are bad for the GOP and even worse for America."

-Jacob Heilbrunn

“The United States will face grave challenges if its adversaries establish hegemony in either Europe…or Asia…and establish de facto control of their polities and resources. America’s alliance relationships are critical in preventing that outcome.”

-Paul J. Saunders

“The reality of this new era is that energy consumption is growing globally in an 'all of the above' manner. Renewable energy is seeing explosive growth, but there is still some growth in oil demand and even coal, and strong demand growth for natural gas and LNG.”

-Greg Priddy

“Throughout its history, Russia has strived to be accepted by the West. Yet, today, it is isolated, serves as China’s junior partner, and includes as its main partners rogues like North Korea and Iran.”

-Andrew C. Kuchins