Pegg, ScottHoskins, TyDusso, AaronMcCormick, John, 1954-2013-12-202013-12-202013-12-20https://hdl.handle.net/1805/3792http://dx.doi.org/10.7912/C2/653Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Many authors, critics, and policy makers question the presence of a unified grand strategy with which the United States has striven toward in recent years. This is a topic worthy of pursuit since such a strategy is responsible for identifying how this nation intends to accomplish its goals. This thesis defines what, if any, grand strategy the United States is currently pursuing. It observes several prominent theories of grand strategy, from both the realist and liberal perspectives. This analysis is set in context of historical grand strategy decisions since World War II and uses the framework of Taiwan as the case study. The thesis then compares the three theories, Selective Engagement, Offshore Balancing, and the Liberal Milieu and their recommendations to real-world activities of the United States with a focus primarily on military deployments and national objectives. The study reveals that of the three in question, the Liberal Milieu grand strategy is the only one that is supported by ongoing deployments in the East Asia region as well as by the national rhetoric which define our policy objectives.en-USUnited States Grand StrategyTaiwanUnited States -- Foreign relations -- Taiwan -- Decision makingTaiwan -- Foreign relations -- United States -- Decision makingUnited States -- Military policy -- Decision making -- Case studiesNational security -- United States -- Decision making -- Case studiesUnited States -- DefensesChina -- Foreign relations -- United StatesUnited States -- Foreign relations -- ChinaUnited States -- Strategic aspects -- 20th centuryTaiwan -- Strategic aspects -- 20th centuryChina -- Foreign relations -- TaiwanTaiwan -- Foreign relations -- ChinaBalance of powerInternational relations -- Philosophy -- Decision making -- Case studiesUnited States -- Foreign relations -- 21st century -- ForecastingUnited States -- Military relations -- HistoryEast Asia -- Relations -- United States -- Decision makingThesis