Analyzing the strategic underpinnings of hegemony, this book offers insights into the links between military and commercial power as it charts the rise of a historical rarity: the incidental superpower. It is suitable for students and general readers as well as scholars.

"Reveron, Gvosdev, and Owens have produced a very useful, stimulating, and timely survey of US foreign and national security policy, offering fresh insight into both the American way of war and the American way of peace. Touching on everything from political culture and finance to military organization, they rightly suggest America's world role has been incidental, rather than accidental -- that while US involvement overseas has often been ad hoc and reactive, it is nevertheless driven by certain enduring national interests. Highly recommended." -- Colin Dueck, associate professor in the School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs, George Mason University " US Foreign Policy and Defense Strategy is a must-read for all policymakers and scholars who influence the debate about the American role in international affairs. Drawing on a wealth of expertise and sound analysis... this immensely important book helps modern audiences consider how the United States is likely to confront new challenges in the world." -- William Martel, author of Victory in War: Foundations of Modern Strategy and associate professor of International Security Studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

Introduction 1 From Regional Power to Global Superpower 2 The American Way of Organizing for Defense 3 The American Way of Civil-Military Relations 4 Drivers, Continuities, and Challenges of US Foreign Policy 5 The American Way of Warfare 6 The American Way of Peace 7 Financing the American Way 8 Conclusion: The Future of US Foreign Policy and Defense Strategy About the Authors Index