Assumptions Testing Series

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Assumptions Testing Series

Dec 9, 2021

Assumption #4: The United States should prioritize the promotion of democracy around the world over other key US objectives

By Mathew Burrows, Evan Cooper

Policymakers should take a triage approach with regard to democracy promotion, starting first and foremost with the state of democracy at home.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Assumptions Testing Series

Nov 3, 2021

Assumption #3: US leadership is indispensable to the health of the global order

By Christopher Preble

Experts often assume that US power is essential to global peace and prosperity, but need to question what role the United States can play in the global system among partners and allies.

Human Rights National Security

Assumptions Testing Series

Mar 4, 2021

Assumption #2: Strategies of coercion are effective

By Erica Borghard

Policymakers should cultivate more realistic expectations about the likelihood that their coercive threats will work as intended, evaluate their full costs against their potential benefits, and invest more in deterrence and defense.

Photo: "Indian and US naval ships in formation during Malabar 2012", by Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Assumptions Testing Series

Feb 3, 2021

Assumption #1: Revisionist states are the cause of great-power competition

By Emma Ashford

Policymakers should intensify efforts to understand the scope of ambition of other states, focus less on forward deployment and engage in reassurance measures.