The Opposite of Good, Wise, & Effective ...

Michael Fullilove nails it in Friday's FT:

"In recent times US grand strategy has been guided by a new kind of doctrine, named after not its author but its exemplar: the Costanza doctrine. This doctrine, which had its heyday in 2002-2004 but remains influential, recalls the classic episode of the TV comedy Seinfeld, 'The Opposite' ...

... historians often cite the need for prudence in international relations, quoting the physician’s dictum: 'First, do no harm.' The opposite would be: 'Don’t think too much, just chance your arm and see what happens!' There is a moment in 'The Opposite' when George Costanza pre-empts some hooligans making a ruckus at the movie theatre: 'Shut your mouths or I’ll shut ’em for ya. And if you think I’m kidding, just try me. Try me! Because I would love it!'

For a while, that kind of method worked – for both Georges. Then normal service resumed. The Costanza doctrine is all about hope, but when it comes to making your way, in New York or the world, experience is the better guide."

Indeed. Hope, even when coupled with the shrub's delusion of cojones, is NOT a strategy.