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Andrew Marshall and the Shaping of Modern American Defense Strategy

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Andrew Marshall was a visionary strategist who played a pivotal role in shaping American defense strategy during the Cold War and beyond. As a senior official in the Pentagon and the RAND Corporation, Marshall's ideas and policies had a profound impact on the United States' military posture and foreign policy.

The Last Warrior: Andrew Marshall and the Shaping of Modern American Defense Strategy

by Andrew F Krepinevich

4.3 out of 5

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Early Life and Career

Marshall was born in 1931 in New York City. He graduated from Harvard College in 1953 and earned a doctorate in political science from Columbia University in 1960. After completing his studies, Marshall joined the RAND Corporation, a non-profit think tank that provides research and analysis to the U.S. government.

At RAND, Marshall quickly rose through the ranks. He became a senior research fellow in 1965 and the director of the corporation's Defense Policy Program in 1969. In this role, Marshall led a team of experts who developed innovative defense strategies for the United States.

The Marshall Plan

Marshall's most significant contribution to American defense strategy was the development of the "Marshall Plan," a comprehensive strategy for deterring Soviet aggression in Europe. The plan called for the United States to maintain a strong nuclear arsenal and a large conventional force in Europe. It also emphasized the importance of economic and political stability in Western Europe as a means of preventing the spread of communism.

The Marshall Plan was adopted by the U.S. government in 1950 and remained the cornerstone of American defense strategy for decades. The plan helped to deter Soviet aggression, prevent the outbreak of a global war, and promote economic and political stability in Europe.

Other Contributions

In addition to the Marshall Plan, Marshall also made other significant contributions to American defense strategy. He was a strong advocate for the development of new weapons systems, such as the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the nuclear submarine. He also helped to develop the concept of "flexible response," which called for the United States to be prepared to respond to Soviet aggression with a variety of military options.

Marshall left RAND in 1981 to become the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Reagan administration. In this role, he helped to implement the Reagan administration's defense buildup and played a key role in the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

Legacy

Andrew Marshall died in 2015 at the age of 84. He is remembered as one of the most influential defense strategists in American history. His ideas and policies helped to shape American defense strategy for decades and continue to influence it today.

Andrew Marshall was a brilliant strategist who made a significant contribution to American defense strategy. His work helped to deter Soviet aggression, prevent the outbreak of a global war, and promote economic and political stability in Europe. Marshall's legacy will continue to influence American defense strategy for generations to come.

The Last Warrior: Andrew Marshall and the Shaping of Modern American Defense Strategy

by Andrew F Krepinevich

4.3 out of 5