Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: The evolution of post-Cold War U.S. grand strategy -- The path to liberal hegemony -- The strategic position of the United States -- Causes and consequences -- The perils of liberal hegemony -- Direct costs -- The balance of power-- The allies ; Identity politics and intervention -- Military power and intervention -- Overstated benefits -- Persistent problems -- The case for restraint. The geopolitical interests of the United States ; Nuclear weapons : dilemmas, dangers, opportunities -- The struggle with Al-Qaeda and the enduring risk of international terrorism -- Implementing restraint in key regions -- The problems of transition to restraint -- Integrated reforms -- Command of the commons : the military strategy, force structure, and force posture of restraint. "Command of the commons" -- The insights maritime strategy -- Force structure -- Global force posture -- Affordable and effective Conclusion: A sustained debate -- Critiques of restraint.

"The United States, Barry R. Posen argues in Restraint, has grown incapable of moderating its ambitions in international politics. Since the collapse of Soviet power, it has pursued a grand strategy that he calls 'liberal hegemony, ' one that Posen sees as unnecessary, counterproductive, costly, and wasteful. Written for policymakers and observers alike, Restraint explains precisely why this grand strategy works poorly and then provides [an] ... alternative grand strategy and an associated military strategy and force structure"--Dust jacket flap.