Music can help us understand how we can work together to overcome obstacles, take advantage of opportunities, and build a better future. Below is a playlist along with short annotations to accompany Battlegrounds: The Fight To Defend the Free World.
STRATEGIC NARCISSISM
This term means defining the world as we would like it to be and assuming that what we decide to do or not do is decisive toward achieving a favorable outcome.
• Pot Kettle Black, by Wilco (Track 1)
It also causes incompetence in foreign policy and national security strategy as leaders fall into cognitive traps such as optimism bias, confirmation bias, and proximity bias.
• Throwing Stones, by Grateful Dead (Track 2)
STRATEGIC EMPATHY
This means viewing complex challenges from the perspective of others including enemies, adversaries, and rivals.
• Positively 4th Street, by Bob Dylan (Track 3)
It also requires particular attention to the emotions, aspirations, and ideologies that drive and constrain the other.
• We Can Work it Out, by The Beatles (Track 4)
• Feel it All, by Feist (Track 5)
UNDERSTANDING HISTORY
Understanding history is vital for comprehending challenges and opportunities of the present and making projections into the near future.
• Kodachrome, by Paul Simon (Track 6)
STRATEGIC COMPETENCE
Strategic competence requires restoring America’s competitive advantages and administering a strong dose of strategic empathy.
• Everyday People, by Sly and the Family Stone (Track 7)
It also requires rhythm and “playing in the pocket” across government and the private sector as well as with allies and partners.
• Tighten Up, Part 1, by Archie Bell & The Drells (Track 8)
CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT
Confidence and self-respect are important ingredients for success.
• Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, by McFadden & Whitehead (Track 9)
• Strutt Your Stuff, by Tom Scott (Track 10)
• Shining Star, by Earth, Wind & Fire (Track 11)
They are essential to build a better world.
• Get Together, by The Youngbloods (Track 12)
They are also critical to strengthening our democratic institutions and processes and necessary if we are to build a better future.
• Don’t Stop, by Fleetwood Mac (Track 13)
EXERCISE AGENCY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Believe that we can make a difference.
• Time Is On My Side, by Irma Thomas (Track 14)
Question adjectives like “structural” and “institutional” that rob us of agency.
• Heroes, by David Bowie (Track 15)
Being stoic helps us focus on what we can control to build a better future.
• If You Don’t Like the Effects, Don’t Produce the Cause, by Parliament Funkadelic (Track 16)
Celebrate the freedoms we enjoy while recognizing that our Republic is and always has been a work in progress.
• Philadelphia Freedom, by Elton John (Track 17)
EMPATHIZE WITH ONE ANOTHER
We can empathize with one another by beginning discussions with what we agree on as the first step.
• Tenderness, by General Public (Track 18)
We can listen and try to understand the viewpoints of others and be skeptical of those who argue that people or issues should be cancelled.
• Where Have all the Average People Gone, by Roger Miller (Track 19)
Empathy also helps us recognize our common humanity and identity as citizens of a democratic nation.
• Same Boat, by Zac Brown Band (Track 20)
BE TOUGH, DEDICATED, AND RESILIENT
In working hard and enlisting the help of others, we take the first steps in being tough, dedicated, and resilient.
• You Get What You Give, by New Radicals (Track 21)
Honor the valor, dedication, and selflessness of those who strengthen our nation and help build a better world.
• Volunteers, by Jefferson Airplane (Track 22)
Appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and strengthen democratic institutions, especially as we watch courageous Ukrainians fight to live free.
• Toast to Freedom, by Shawn Mullins (Track 23)
Listen to Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World here.
Tune into the Battlegrounds Podcast here.
