Ideas worth spreading

Let's rethink America's military strategy

1,421,793 views | Thomas Barnett • TED2005

In this bracingly honest talk, international security strategist Thomas Barnett outlines a post-Cold War solution for the foundering U.S. military that is both sensible and breathtaking in its simplicity: Break it in two.

In this bracingly honest talk, international security strategist Thomas Barnett outlines a post-Cold War solution for the foundering U.S. military that is both sensible and breathtaking in its simplicity: Break it in two.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Thomas Barnett

Military strategist

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Strategic planner Thomas Barnett has advised US leaders on national security since the end of the Cold War. His bold ideas about the future of warfare and the military are spelled out in his best-selling book The Pentagon's New Map.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.