This summary outlines a three-phase approach for a Department of Defense strategy to counter interest-based operations. U.S. adversaries use interest-based operations to build regional influence without having to resort to combat. In the process, U.S. alliances and partnerships are weakened and technological advantage is lost. These operations should be met by a short-of-war strategy that baselines activities and interests, takes stock of the defense ecosystem, and creates advantages and leverages opportunities.