As we navigate further into 2026, the landscape of global affairs continues to shift at an unprecedented pace, challenging long-held doctrines and strategic frameworks. It’s a critical moment for reflection and rigorous examination, especially concerning the bedrock principles guiding U.S. foreign policy.

Recognizing this imperative, the dedicated experts from the Reimagining US Grand Strategy team, alongside their colleagues across various Stimson Center programs, have embarked on a crucial initiative. Their mission? To thoroughly scrutinize and stress-test the core assumptions that have traditionally underpinned American engagement with the world.

This year promises to be a crucible for many of these assumptions. Will established alliances continue to hold their historical weight amidst new security threats and economic rivalries? How will the rise of new global powers impact American influence and leadership? What role will evolving technologies play in shaping diplomatic and military strategies? And perhaps most critically, how will domestic political dynamics and societal shifts at home influence the very ability of the U.S. to project power and pursue its interests abroad?

The Stimson Center’s proactive deep dive into these questions is not merely an academic exercise; it’s an essential step towards crafting a more resilient, adaptive, and effective U.S. foreign policy for the complex years ahead. By openly challenging ingrained beliefs and rigorously analyzing emerging realities, the team aims to provide invaluable insights that will inform policymakers and foster a more robust public discourse on America’s role in the world.

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