This book presents the current history of United States military strategy in Afghanistan as an example of dysfunctional policy discourse among the nation s elites.

The legitimacy of a country s military strategy can become a subject of intense public debate and doubt, especially in prolonged conflicts. Arguments typically hinge on disagreements about the values at stake, the consequences of action or inaction, and the authority of those responsible for the plan. As the US entered its second decade at war in Afghanistan, political and military leaders struggled to explain the ends and...