National security policy

Defensive Realism (Basic idea)

Protect U.S. security without unnecessary expansion

Defensive Realism (Main objective)

Maintain security and stability

Defensive Realism (Typical approach)

Balance threats, deterrence, diplomacy, restraint

Offensive Realism (Basic idea)

Build/maintain overwhelming power to prevent rivals from threatening the U.S.

Offensive Realism (Main objective)

Maximize relative power and security

Offensive Realism (Typical approach)

Hegemony, military strength, containment of rivals

Defensive Liberalism (Basic idea)

Promote peace by encouraging liberal institutions without excessive force

Defensive Liberalism (Main objective)

Create a more peaceful international environment

Defensive Liberalism (Typical approach)

Diplomacy, institutions, economic relationships, gradual reform

Offensive Liberalism (Basic idea)

Actively transform other states to make them more democratic/liberal

Offensive Liberalism (Main objective)

Change the international environment itself

Offensive Liberalism (typical approach)

Regime change, democracy promotion, intervention