The United States failed in both Lebanon in 1982-1984 and Iraq in 2003, to achieve its political objectives. While there are many reasons for this, perhaps the greatest is that the government failed to coordinate and direct all of its resources in a unified manner to achieve its goals. This book outlines four key indicators, present in both Lebanon and Iraq, that suggest the United States did not have a grand strategy. Further, this book reveals that Lebanon and Iraq are not anomalies; there are both historical and structural reasons why the United States struggles to implement grand strategies.

"A thesis presented to the Faculty of the US Army Command and General Staff College, Master of Military Art and Science, Art of War"--T.p.

Introduction -- Grand strategy, doctrine, and definitions -- How the government creates grand strategy -- Lebanon case study -- Iraq case study -- Conclusion.