STRATEGIC

Option III: “Agile America”: Adapt and Compete in a Changing World 189
rity ultimately derives from prosperity. But it would emphasize that
U.S. prosperity depends also on the prosperity of its allies and partners.
It would rededicate the United States to an agenda of fostering inclusive
and sustainable domestic and international economic growth as
the basis for peace and prosperity and the justification for a continued
U.S. leadership role in the global economic system. It would commit
to advancing the TPP and TTIP trade pacts, and might favor opening
a new round of global trade talks. And it would animate domestic
entrepreneurship, innovation, and R&D in all major economic sectors.
To reduce the demand for and use of costly military force, it would
continue global development aid at existing or slightly higher levels and
would invest in enhancing conflict prevention and counterextremism
efforts and disseminating best practices.
Finally, since the test of leadership, by definition, is the ability
to attract followers, 7 this strategy would aim to boost the value and
attractiveness of the U.S. global “brand” via soft power. The United
States might lead in global stewardship, for example, by making meaningful
contributions to mitigating climate change, halting pandemics,
or peaceful, sustainable development in Africa and/or the Arctic. The
United States would continue to be an active participant in international
climate agreements.
A refocused agenda would require U.S. leaders to persuade their
publics that national well-being is best advanced by a United States
that does not squander blood and treasure in an attempt—perhaps
futile—to retain overwhelming military predominance. The United
States would continue to play a global leadership role, but it would
recognize, as Joseph Nye put it, that “leadership is not the same as
domination.” 8
7 Dobbins et al., 2015.
8 Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power, New York:
Basic Books, 1990, pp. 182–188.