The Fight to Defend the Free World

National Security

The Fight to Defend the Free World is an 8-part investigation into the most critical foreign policy and security challenges faced by the United States. H.R. McMaster, a retired lieutenant general and former national security advisor, examines battlegrounds around the world through the lens of strategic empathy.

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Why America Must Remain Engaged Abroad

Though some encourage the United States to pursue a foreign policy of retrenchment, global support for democracy and the rule of law is the best means of promoting peace.

The Middle East and Retrenchment Syndrome

To improve security and prosperity for the people of the Middle East, the United States must remain engaged in the region, employing a long-term strategy that integrates diplomatic, military, and development efforts.

Preventing a Hegemonic Iran

America must abandon its conciliatory foreign policy toward Iran and begin using strategic empathy to better counter Iranian behavior.

Maximum Pressure: America’s Approach to North Korea

The United States and its allies must set aside their flawed assumptions about the Kim family regime and present a unified strategy to deter North Korea from developing nuclear weapons.

The Future of South Asian Security

In order to promote a safe and secure Afghanistan, the United States must convince Pakistani leaders that it is in their interest to pursue diplomacy rather than use terrorists to advance their foreign policy.

Confronting Chinese Communist Party Aggression

Free and open societies must work together to prevent China from exporting its aggressive, authoritarian model and instead promote the ideals of liberal democracy.

Parrying Putin's Playbook

American leaders have underestimated the role that ideology, emotion, and aspiration have played in Vladimir Putin’s strategy toward the United States and Europe.

Embracing Strategic Empathy

In order to secure a better and freer world, American leaders must avoid assuming that other countries have no aspirations or agency except in reaction to American policy.