A Grand Strategy for Cold War II

More than a year ago, I was contemplating a grand strategy in the 2nd Cold War. This was mentioned in [1]. Once we realize that the current world is in Cold War II, developing a grand strategy is key. After reading some literature, some top-notch thinkers are already working in this area. 

Trump’s World Order [2] was to introduce Walter Russell Mead’s interview [3]. It is a relief to see that Trump’s actions were largely correct. It is well known that Trump is somewhat transactional. Often, Trump makes decisions based on his instinct. Fortunately, his decisions have largely been correct. So far, so good. However, we still need a grand strategy. 

Two excellent books [4,5] by Hal Brands (one coauthored) largely solved the grand strategy problem. The first book is a historic, top-level overview of the world order. The second book specifically studies the current Cold War. This does not mean that I agree with the proposed grand strategy completely. (In my opinion, we need to solve some basic political philosophical problems first.) However, Hal Brands’ strategy will work sufficiently at this time.  

On the grand strategy topic, in my opinion, only three thinkers need to be considered: (not in any order) Walter Russell Mead, Hal Brands, and Niall Ferguson. (This may change if I discover new ones.) Separately, Condi Rice gave a high-quality interview [6]. It involves the past Cold War strategies as well as current situations. Much is useful. Just a term clarification, she did not wish to call the current conflicts Cold War II. She has some good reasons. However, in view of the Hot War/Cold War, Cold War II is the right term. 

References: 

1. Cold War I and Grand Strategy (jiahan1.wixsite.com)

2. Trump’s World Order (1)

3. *Trump’s New World Order: Tariffs, China and Nationalism | Walter Russell Mead (4-9-2025) 

4. Hal Brands, The Eurasian Century: Hot Wars, Cold Wars, and the Making of the Modern World, W. W. Norton & Company, 2025.

5. Michael Beckley, Hal Brands, Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China, W. W. Norton & Company, 2023.

6. *Boss Time: Summits, Cold Wars, and Universities, w Condoleezza Rice | GoodFellows (8-14)