At what level of war is the development of strategic ideas for employing national power conducted?

The development of strategic ideas for employing national power is conducted at the strategic level of war. This level focuses on the overall objectives and goals of the nation, encompassing political, military, economic, and informational strategies. It involves long-term planning and coordination to effectively use the nation's resources and capabilities to achieve broad, overarching goals, including deterrence, defense, and the use of military force, among other instruments of national power.

At the strategic level, leaders analyze global trends, set national objectives, and align military capabilities with diplomatic and economic initiatives. This level is characterized by a comprehensive approach to national security, considering how various elements of national power can be integrated to achieve desired outcomes. It addresses the "why" and "what" of military operations rather than the "how," which is more typical of the operational and tactical levels.