ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the Grenada decision in narrative form and graphically and quantitatively using decision analysis. The United States (US) invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983 shook the international community. The invasion itself was unique for a variety of reasons. First, it was hastily conceived. The invasion was unique because it occurred in a relative great power vacuum. Second, the avenue into the uniqueness will be the decision-making process that was implemented at the highest level of the US government just prior to the invasion. The decision-making style of the Reagan administration had already been well established by the time a decision was necessary in Grenada. Decision criteria are the most important drivers of the decision-making process. They provide the means by which values are translated into action, and by which tactical and strategic action evolves into policy. The chapter concludes with some ideas for implementing and assessing high-level foreign policy decisions.
