Life After the George W. Bush Administration

In November 2008, U.S. citizens will go to the polls to choose a new President and a new administration. The Bush administration's strategy of engagement with China is designed to build a peaceful relationship through diplomatic, informational, military and economic (DIME) dialogue. Whether US policy makers follow the status quo or choose another strategy will be of great importance in America's effort to retain its status as the sole superpower. This monograph is about strategy-and the use of strategy in guiding actions towards a peer competitor. The author has sought to examine and analyze this strategy in various contexts. This monograph offers the next administration a recommended strategy towards China. To provide a recommended strategy, a comprehensive look at current international relations theories and how these theories help provide a framework for grand strategy is required. History has shown that strategy involves more than applying military might to solve problems between warring countries or parties. A good strategy involves more than just the military, but includes diplomatic actions, information strategies and economic measures all designed to cause another nation's actions to conform to regional, national and/or multinational objectives.