title: In Pursuit of the Grand Idea
abstract: The Truman Doctrine and containment policy formed the foundation of most American national security activities and decisions throughout the Cold War. Since the end of the Cold War, many national security experts, analysts, and students believe the United States has failed to find the same success identifying its interests and articulating the ideas, policies, and strategies necessary to achieve or defend them. They suggest the United States is without direction and unable to exploit its superior