The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law welcomed Dr. Richard K. Betts, Arnold A. Saltzman Professor of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University, on February 8, 2012. Strauss Center Director, Dr. Franis J. Gavin, introduced Dr. Betts.

Dr. Betts spoke about his latest book, American Force: Dangers, Dilemmas and Delusions in National Security, which is a collection of essays on an assortment of national security topics. Betts outlined several chapters of his book and some general themes that emerged.

Dr. Betts argued that the U.S. tried to shape world order on the cheap after the Cold War, but should have managed a shift to a balance of international power. During the H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations, the U.S. wound up using force frequently, but not intensely. Betts asserts the opposite approach, using force infrequently but with high intensity, would be a more effective strategy.

Other chapters outlined in his discussion included: “confused intervention”¬ù in the Balkans and Somalia, weapons of mass destruction, the negative effects of preventative war, similarities between Vietnam and Afghanistan, China’s rise in power, and the increase in defense spending over the past decade.

Dr. Betts concluded by offering his suggestions on how the U.S. should approach foreign strategy. Response to threats should rely on deterrence and containment instead of preventative war. When it is absolutely necessary to use force, the U.S. should use enough to overwhelm and decisively control the outcome. Finally, Dr. Betts stressed the importance of getting other wealthy countries to step up and share the costs for world order.

Questions from the audience covered how the U.S. would respond to an Israel attack on Iran, the Arab Spring, the current situation in Syria, China and Russia’s relationship, and the Powell Doctrine.

Watch the full presentation below:

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