A Hard Look at Hard Power: Assessing the Defense Capabilities of Key US Allies and Security Partners
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Since World War II, a key element of America’s grand strategy has been its worldwide network of strategic allies and partners. The network has provided the United States an invaluable global presence, enhanced deterrence against adversaries, and, when called upon, provided men and materiel to help fight wars. However, following the end of the Cold War, less attention has been paid to America’s allies — especially their “hard power” capabilities — despite the US and its allies going to war more frequently than before. This volume addresses that gap, providing a holistic account of allied hard power and, in turn, the ability — and, indirectly, the willingness — of those same partners to use force independently or in concert with the US and other allies.
Gary J. Schmitt is codirector of the Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies at AEI.
