In the wake of the September 11 attacks and the ensuing war on terrorism, the United States began a massive build-up in its defence budget. However, there was little public debate about the possible alternatives to the sweeping budget increases proposed by the Bush administration. A useful guide to teachers, students, and the general reader interested in defence, this book lays out the best case for four different options, each of which could serve as the organizing principle for future US defence plans and budgets. Although it was completed before the administration unveiled its new doctrine of "preventive war" in the 2002 National Security Strategy, the book's enhanced defence option parallels what the administration has said it needs to implement a policy of preemption. The volume presents the alternatives as presidential speeches, which are preceded by a memo that explains the strengths, weaknesses and politics of each alternative. The aim is to generate thought and debate about national security.