• The Strategy of Denial

  • American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict
  • By: Elbridge A. Colby
  • Narrated by: Mike Lenz
  • Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (92 ratings)

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The Strategy of Denial

By: Elbridge A. Colby
Narrated by: Mike Lenz
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Publisher's summary

Why and how America's defense strategy must change in light of China's power and ambition.

Elbridge A. Colby was the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, the most significant revision of US defense strategy in a generation. Here he lays out how America's defense must change to address China's growing power and ambition. Based firmly in the realist tradition but deeply engaged in current policy, this book offers a clear framework for what America's goals in confronting China must be, how its military strategy must change, and how it must prioritize these goals over its lesser interests.

The most informed and in-depth reappraisal of America's defense strategy in decades, this book outlines a rigorous but practical approach, showing how the United States can prepare to win a war with China that we cannot afford to lose - precisely in order to deter that war from happening.

©2021 Elbridge A. Colby (P)2021 Tantor

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Great listen

Worth a listen even for those not interested in the pacific, has larger implications on us policy. Mike lenz voice is amazing

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Powerful and persuasive

Very thorough, very logical, and very scary!—hopefully the US is up to the task outlined by this very serious scholar of defense strategy—for all our sakes…..

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Blueprint and Rationale for US Grand Strategy

While Colby asserts that his book is about military strategy, it is truly a work on US policy and strategy at the highest level. Colby is thorough, leaving his reader nothing to guess at in understanding the best US defense strategy, or even grand strategy. This book is a must read for all national security professionals and anyone interested in US national security.

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Okay overview

Very basic overview of the situation in the Pacific. If you have no background on the subject this is a good starting point. Very disappointing in the aspect that it is very broad and offers nothing besides the top strategic view. The narrator was also very slow, to the point it was impossible to listen at less than a 1.25 rate.

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A Rational Liberalist Approach in a Realists World

Elbridge Colby lays out a very rational approach to the real threat China conveys as a prospective hegemon in the Pacific. The idea-first, conclusion-last style of writing and framework of The Strategy of Denial convince the reader (listener) of the end he has in mind before he gets there, leading one to believe it was their idea all along. I’m a fan of the more simplistic “tell them what you’re going to tell them” approach of the military writing style, but Colby is quite effective. He addresses well the perils of focusing solely on China as an aspiring hegemon as well, leaving no question where he stands on Russia, Iran, and violent extremists. If you are a student of military history, strategy, and future warfare, this is a great extension to understanding the military role in the instruments of national power.

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