The Uncertainty Doctrine
Narrative Politics and US Hard Power after the Cold War

The first account of narrative politics in US defense policy surrounding the end of the Cold War.

Alexandra Homolar (Author)

9781009355155, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 March 2025

260 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.381 kg

'The book offers theoretical and methodological contributions not just to the security narratives space but also to our understanding of how political actors respond to and capitalize on political events … the book extends our understanding of uncertainty's uses in the making of security strategy.' Sophie Kaldor, International Affairs

The post-Cold War era is often seen as a missed opportunity of epic proportions for the United States to turn swords into ploughshares, with much of the blame placed on international developments. The Uncertainty Doctrine challenges the conventional take on post-Cold War history as imposed on the US by events largely outside its control. It shows in rich empirical detail how America's 'peace dividend' did not merely fall by the wayside but was actively undermined by the narrative contests over the security implications of the New World Order. Committed to understanding the ontological significance of narrative in (inter)national security, Alexandra Homolar demonstrates that political agents have the capacity to respond to a systemic shock through discursive adaptation and reorganization. While narrative politics may not always matter in US defense policy, at moments perceived as bifurcation points it can be decisive in why some strategic responses prevail over possible alternatives.

1. The fruits of victory
2. Studying narrative politics in motion
3. Irrational enemies
4. Wars on multiple fronts
5. Shield of invulnerability
6. The future of the uncertainty doctrine.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]