More on Rustin and strategic thinking
Karin Chenoweth, a friend who first mentioned the underappreceiated civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to me, wrote to me in response to the item the other day that Rustin, whom she knew, thought, "in terms of underlying principles, large goals consistent with principles, strategies to meet the goals, and tactics that served the strategies." Read ...
Karin Chenoweth, a friend who first mentioned the underappreceiated civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to me, wrote to me in response to the item the other day that Rustin, whom she knew, thought, "in terms of underlying principles, large goals consistent with principles, strategies to meet the goals, and tactics that served the strategies."
Read that again. That's a good summary of effective strategic thinking and even above strategy, good overall conceptual thinking. When strategy is taught, the top end is often forgotten-which is that strategies must be designed to meet goals consistent with underlying principles.
Indeed, that sentence of hers could be used as a guide to critiquing American policy in Iraq. Did we go to war for principled reasons? Were our goals there consistent with our principles? Did we have strategies to meet those goals? Were our tactics consistent with our principles, goals and strategies?
Karin Chenoweth, a friend who first mentioned the underappreceiated civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to me, wrote to me in response to the item the other day that Rustin, whom she knew, thought, "in terms of underlying principles, large goals consistent with principles, strategies to meet the goals, and tactics that served the strategies."
Read that again. That’s a good summary of effective strategic thinking and even above strategy, good overall conceptual thinking. When strategy is taught, the top end is often forgotten-which is that strategies must be designed to meet goals consistent with underlying principles.
Indeed, that sentence of hers could be used as a guide to critiquing American policy in Iraq. Did we go to war for principled reasons? Were our goals there consistent with our principles? Did we have strategies to meet those goals? Were our tactics consistent with our principles, goals and strategies?
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
