The United States continues to be the dominant military power on the international stage. But dominance is not what it used to be; the ability of military power to address modern security challenges is open to debate, and America has had a difficult time translating its preponderance into influence. To preserve an international capability for responding to security threats, the United States will need to repair its legitimacy problem, strengthen relations with its allies, and develop comprehensive solutions to problems beyond the use of force. This "Adelphi Paper" explores how part of the solution to the US' difficulties may be found in adopting an approach of strategic restraint; aiming to manage disorder rather than striving to solve too many of the world's ills.