Albright and Kissinger

Albright and Kissinger agree on many points regarding a grand strategy for the US, where they differ is on how to achieve their goals. Both note the importance of national security and prosperity. They also recognize the far reaching extent of the US’ hard power; hard power being the US’ military and economic dominance as well as its strategic location geographically. They differ on soft power due to their different methods of achieving their national interest. Albright believes the US derives its power from its universally attractive, moral views while Kissinger believes the US derives its power from balancing the international order, respecting the rights of sovereignty, and accepting different beliefs. Albright adopts a homogeneous world view with a in group and an out group; Kissinger allows for heterogeneity to exist as long as the world is balanced. To achieve their goals, Albright recommends the use of diplomacy to gain allies and the use of hard power (economic sanctions, military action) to regulate those rogue states. At the crux of Albright’s philosophy is a moral belief which Kissinger believes is resented by other states. Indeed, he advises against moralizing so as to avoid antagonizing other states and states moral adventures are usually “open-ended” and “draining.” Rather, the US should use economic relations and alliances to prevent the emergence of a hegemon and maintain a balanced system.