Final answer:
Control of airpower should rest with a central authority that integrates it into a nation's grand strategy, combining diplomatic, economic, and military resources under the oversight of bodies like the Department of Defense and the president.
Step-by-step explanation:
The control of airpower, a critical component of military capability, should ideally be in the hands of a central authority that maintains a broad, strategic perspective. This encompasses the integration of airpower into the overarching grand strategy of a nation. The grand strategy involves employing diplomatic, economic, and military resources to advance a country's national interest. In the context of the United States, this strategic perspective is established by various bodies that oversee the armed forces, including the Air Force, under the guidance of the president and the Department of Defense. At a strategic level, airpower must also align with diplomatic efforts to rally allies and marshal economic incentives or sanctions to compel cooperation or discourage aggression, which can be critical in maintaining global stability and a balance of power.
In times of international crisis, like the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, it is common for the executive branch to take charge and direct military operations in cooperation with, but with more autonomy from, other branches of government.
Overall, the control of airpower should form part of a holistic approach to foreign policy and national defense, insuring against overly narrow or tactical use that could potentially undermine broader strategic goals.