ABSTRACT
International strategy normally refers to a long-term, macro plan to maximize a country’s national interests.1 The formulation and implementation of an international strategy usu ally depends on three variables: (1) the international system, (2) domestic conditions, and (3) national leadership. The three variables interact organically through the national lead ers’ subjective assessments of the objective international and domestic environments. The inhibiting effects of the international system are probably more conspicuous when a country’s capability is limited and when the international power transfiguration is in a stage of transition.