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FEATURED PUBLICATIONS
Sun, November 22, 2009
With the publication of the 1982 version of Army Field Manual (FM) 100-5, Operations, the U.S. Army introduced the concept of an operational level of war encompassing the planning and conduct of campaigns and major operations. It was followed three years later by the introduction of the term "operational art" which was, in practice, the skillful management of the operational level of war. This conception of an identifiably separate level of war that defined the jurisdiction of the profession of arms was, for a number of historical and cultural reasons, attractive to U.S. practitioners and plausible to its English-speaking allies. The authors argue that as warfare continues to diffuse across definitional and conceptual boundaries and as the close orchestration of all of the instruments of national power becomes even more important, the current conception of campaigns and operations becomes crippling. To cope with these demands by formulating and prosecuting national campaigns, the authors propose that the responsibility for campaign design should return to the political-strategic leadership of nations supported by the entirety of the state bureaucracy. This would mark the return of the campaign to its historical sources. If the United States and its allies fail to make this change, they risk continuing to have a “way of battle” rather than a “way of war.”
Sun, November 22, 2009
This monograph is intended to help political, military, policy, and academic leaders think strategically about explanations, consequences, and responses that might apply to the volatile and dangerous new dynamic that has inserted itself into the already crowded Mexican and hemispheric security arena; the privatized Zeta military organization. In Mexico, this new dynamic involves the migration of traditional hard-power national security and sovereignty threats from traditional state and non-state adversaries to hard and soft power threats from professional private non-state military organizations. This dynamic also involves a more powerful and ambiguous mix of terrorism, crime, and conventional war tactics, operations, and strategies than were experienced in the past. Moreover, this violence and its perpetrators tend to create and consolidate semi-autonomous enclaves (criminal free-states) that develop into quasi-states—and what the Mexican government calls "Zones of Impunity." All together, these dynamics not only challenge Mexican security, stability, and sovereignty, but, if left improperly understood and improperly countered, also challenge the security and stability of the United States and Mexico's other neighbors.
Sun, November 15, 2009
While massive amounts of information can provide the opportunity to broaden and expand thought, it also can, and does, overwhelm people already constrained by time as they juggle the daily requirements of life.
Sun, November 15, 2009
This monograph reexamines the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the 1991 Gulf War for insights that may be relevant for ongoing dangers during limited wars involving nations possessing chemical or biological weapons or emerging nuclear arsenals. Both of these wars were fought at the conventional level, although the prospect of Israel using nuclear weapons (1973), Egypt using biological weapons (1973), or Iraq using chemical and biological weapons (1991) were of serious concern at various points during these conflicts. This monograph discusses why efforts at escalation control and intra-war deterrence were successful in these two case studies and assesses the points at which these deterrence efforts were under the most intensive stress that might have caused them to fail.
Sun, November 15, 2009
The "China Dragons" of the 28th Combat Support Hospital deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from September 2006 until November 2007. This combat tour was historic in many regards, with the team challenged by unprecedented casualty numbers and indirect fire attacks. Not only did they save thousands of lives; they helped advanced trauma medicine, as leading hospitals worldwide have benefitted from military initiatives in the areas of bleeding control and hemostatic resuscitation. Their service epitomizes the strides that have been made in military combat medicine, and their challenges highlight the areas in which our medical system can improve further.
Sun, November 8, 2009
The author argues that references to a uniform "left turn" in the region are misleading, and that Latin America is actually witnessing a dynamic competition between two very different forms of governance. Represented by leaders like Hugo Chávez, Evo Morales, and others, radical populism emphasizes the politics of grievance and a penchant for extreme solutions. Moderate, centrist governance can be found in countries like Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay where diplomatic pragmatism, the protection of democratic practices, and the need to blend macroeconomic responsibility with a social conscience are emphasized. The author argues that to the extent that the United States can strengthen these centrist governments while limiting the damage caused by radical populism it will be able to promote integral growth, democratic stability, and effective security cooperation in Latin America. A clear understanding of the trends discussed is essential to devising appropriate U.S. policies toward that region.
Sun, November 8, 2009
U.S. Southern Command continuously seeks to build public-private partnerships to tackle the issues affecting national and regional security, among which is food security. This brief report discusses the conduct and findings from one recent workshop intended to promote interagency dialogue among the attending USG organizations and facilitate the development of a joint, coordinated and comprehensive plan for food security activities in Latin American and the Caribbean region.
Sun, November 8, 2009
In this Letort Paper the authors analyze Security Force Assistance (SFA) and some specific recommendations designed to improve U.S. performance. While SFA may be a new term, the activities themselves are familiar ones related to how the Department of Defense works to train, advise, and assist foreign partners' security establishments to accomplish common objectives. The United States has demonstrated serious SFA deficiencies in recent years. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has noted the United States is likely to remain actively and broadly engaged in SFA for many years to come. The need for comprehensive improvement encompasses DoD military and civilian efforts and requires thoughtful integration with broader whole of government approaches.
Fri, October 30, 2009
Soon after the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics increasing numbers of Russian intellectuals became disenchanted with the West, especially the United States, and began to look for alternative geopolitical alliances. The Muslim world in general and Iran in particular became especially important in the geopolitical construction of Eurasianists or neo-Eurasianists who believed that Russia's alliance with Iran is essential for Russia’s rise to power. Yet, by the middle of President Vladimir Putin’s tenure, increasing tension with the Muslim community and the rise of Russian nationalism had led to more complicated views by the Russian elite concerning Iran. At present, the Russian elite are willing to use Iran as a bargaining chip when negotiating with the West, especially the United States, and as a market for Russian weapons and other goods and services. However, the dream of a Russian-Iran axis has apparently been abandoned.
Fri, October 30, 2009
The United Nations Development Program "Human Development Report" defined “Human Security” in terms of seven component tenets: Economic Security, Food Security, Health Security, Environmental Security, Personal Security, Community Security and Political Security. This brief paper provides a starting point for examining the full range of potential national security ramifications associated with one of those tenets, Food Security.
Fri, October 30, 2009
Through the lens of the Multi-National Forces-Iraq Force Strategic Engagement Cell (FSEC), the author illustrates how Key Leader Engagements (KLE) can be incorporated as "targets" in the U.S. military's targeting process. FSEC’s mission to reach out to Iraq-based insurgent organizations who sought reconciliation with the Iraqi government was entirely based in KLE-related targeting. FSECs activities, therefore, present a suitable case to study how including KLE as “targets” can maximize the utility of the relationships commanders and diplomats alike establish during counterinsurgency and nation-building operations. These operations also demonstrate the employment of KLE as a part of Information Operations, and the challenges associated with developing and refining intelligence to support KLE targeting. Finally, FSEC’s endeavors in Iraq underscore the utility of outreach to both local leaders and insurgent populations in counterinsurgency operations.
Tue, September 29, 2009
The author outlines in detail the major criminal activities in Iraq and also considers the critical role played by corruption in facilitating and strengthening organized crime. He also explains the rise of organized crime after the US invasion and identifies necessary responses to organized crime and corruption in Iraq. This monograph looks in detail at major criminal activities, including the theft, diversion, and smuggling of oil, the kidnapping of both Iraqis and foreigners, extortion, car theft and smuggling of antiquities.
Tue, September 29, 2009
This guide focuses on the military's role in rebuilding and establishing a functional, effective, and legitimate nation-state; one that can assure security and stability for its citizens, defend its borders, deliver services effectively for its populace, and is responsible and accountable to its citizens. Neither a handbook nor a checklist, a comprehensive approach to planning and implementing a program to rebuild governance by U.S. peacekeeping forces during stability operations that provides options and trade-offs for U.S. forces in executing these operations.
Tue, September 29, 2009
The author outlines eight principles for a risk management defense strategy. He argues that these principles provide "measures of merit" for evaluating the new administration's defense choices. This monograph builds on two previous works-Known Unknowns: Unconventional "Strategic Shocks" in Defense Strategy Development and The New Balance: Limited Armed Stabilization and the Future of US Landpower. Combined, these three works offer key insights on the most appropriate DOD responses to increasingly "unconventional" defense and national security conditions.
Tue, September 29, 2009
Small or emerging countries are not shielded from the downstream effects of manning, equipping, and resourcing decisions. Military modernization initiatives have domestic, regional, and international impacts on a nation's public, trade, finance, aid, and foreign policies. Awareness of these issues is especially important for nations within the U.S. Africa Command region.
Tue, September 29, 2009
The author provides a detailed chronology and analysis of the intelligence failures and successes of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The author contends that when our national security is at stake, the US should not hesitate to undertake risky intelligence collection operations, including espionage, to penetrate our adversary's deceptions. At the same time, the US must also understand that our adversary may not believe the gravity of our policy warnings or may not allow its own agenda to be influenced by US diplomatic pressure.
Tue, September 29, 2009
The author addresses climate change, in which man-made global warming is a major factor, and that it will likely lead to dramatic and long lasting consequences with security implications, making it a challenge the US must urgently take up. The author argues that security implications will be most profound in places where the effects of climate change are greatest, particularly affecting weak states already especially vulnerable to environmental destabilization. Two things are vitally important: stemming the tide of climate change and adapting to its far-reaching consequences.
Sun, August 30, 2009
Civilian casualties associated with coalition air support activities have strained U.S. Afghan relations and forced the CENTCOM Commander to review the use of this valuable asset in theater. This AY2009 USAWC resident student paper addresses how the U.S. can balance the kinetic effects of airpower with strategic objectives in counterinsurgency.
Sun, August 30, 2009
The struggle to solve the sanctuary problem within Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) can be attributed to a failure by the U.S. administration and military to fully comprehend that this is a "wicked" problem with unique attributes and characteristics and thus requires new approaches. This AY2009 USAWC resident student paper explores each attribute of the "wicked" problem construct and then offers an approach on how President Obama and his decision makers can "tame" Pakistan's FATA problem.
Sun, August 30, 2009
This AY2009 USAWC resident student paper examines the processes involved to deploy and sustain larger U.S. forces operating in Afghanistan and addresses options to overcome strategic access challenges. The author proposes that any sound and executable strategic access plan must incorporate five specific activities: strengthening regional partnerships; reducing dependence on Afghan-Pakistani Ground Lines of Communication; re-establishing a Northern Distribution Network; seeking alternative regional air bases; and improving In-Transit Visibility technology.
Sun, August 30, 2009
An AY-2009 USAWC resident student critique of current military doctrinal guidance relating to the creation and employment of Provincial Reconstruction Teams.
Sun, August 30, 2009
An AY-2009 USAWC resident student examines and compares historical and current military doctrinal guidance relating to the creation and execution of "Military Government."
Wed, July 29, 2009
This Carlisle Paper addresses the question of whether the Army has the proper structure and training to perform full spectrum operations. The author reports that 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) effectively operated as a "full spectrum force" during Operation ARROWHEAD RIPPER in Baqubah, Iraq, in 2007. The brigade commander, providing adaptive leadership, organized the SBCT to conduct simultaneous kinetic and non-kinetic operations, and to leverage the Iraqi military, local leaders, and Iraqi systems already in place to defeat al-Qaeda and stabilize the city.
Wed, July 29, 2009
This Carlisle Paper contends that peace has a pragmatic quality and the potential to be a separate element of statecraft, not simply the absence, termination, or continuation of war. The author's research reveals that a complex, paradigmatic change in statecraft must occur to employ peace as a "shaping" and sustaining action. He concludes that further inquiry is required to understand fully the potential of peace as a tool, one similar to "soft power."
Wed, July 29, 2009
This PKSOI Paper is designed to further U.S. military understanding of the critical nation-state building role that U.S. forces play during stability operations. The authors examine an intervening force's contribution to creating a functional state that can deliver services effectively, is responsive and accountable to its citizens, and is capable of assuring security. The discussion summarizes key issues, trade-offs, and options for military strategists and planners that relate to the restoration and rebuilding of government in the context of full spectrum operations.
Wed, July 29, 2009
Recent political changes in both the United States and South Africa have opened a new window of opportunity for developing a productive partnership. This monograph outlines helpful ways in which the United States can contribute to the SA Army's forward planning process so as to help optimize South Africa's potential contribution to the emergence of a peaceful and stable Africa.
Wed, July 29, 2009
This Carlisle Paper illustrates the key characteristics of China's culture-philosophy, history, and domestic factors--that structure the strategic objectives of its foreign policy. These characteristics explain how China's strategic interests are defined by its pragmatic nationalism, its drive for modernization, its desire for a more prominent role in the Asian and world communities. The author's concluding analysis of the implications of China's strategic culture offers recommendations for U.S. national security policy.
Wed, July 1, 2009
The author argues that the Merida Initiative, a U.S. multiyear counterdrug program designed to help the Mexican Government fight the drug cartels, may not be the optimal solution. Instead the United States must forge a more creative and encompassing approach. The author asserts that this strategy should combine interdiction and enforcement initiatives with an array of social, economic, political, and U.S. domestic programs to create a broad effort that attacks the drug trade from all sides.
Wed, July 1, 2009
The author addresses the multifaceted nature and predominant role of gangs operating as state and non-state proxies in the global security environment. He examines examples of contemporary populism and neo-populism, 21st century socialists, and a non-state actor (al-Qaeda) seeking regional and global hegemony. The lessons he derives from these cases demonstrate how gangs might fit into a holistic effort to force radical political-social-economic change, and illustrate how traditional political-military objectives may be achieved indirectly.
Wed, July 1, 2009
China's interest in African stability and long-term access to African resources through the lens of the three variables that have characterized recent U.S. national security strategy: diplomacy, development, and defense.
Wed, July 1, 2009
The author explores the intersection of culture with strategy and policy. The ability to understand and appreciate the role and impact of culture on policy and strategy is increasingly seen as a critical strategic thinking skill. The concepts and framework provided by the author have formed the foundation for how the U.S. Army War College has incorporated culture into the study of strategy and policy.
Thu, May 28, 2009
Even a brief survey of new media's nature and impact leaves military leaders with some proverbially powerful bottom lines. Their significance likely also makes them worthy of consideration by the senior civilian leadership of the military.
Thu, May 28, 2009
The author calls for an unconventional revolution in U.S. landpower forces that optimizes them for intervention in complex and violent crises of governance and security in states crippled with internal disorder. He argues that the armed stabilization of states and regions in crises will not be just equivalent in importance to traditional warfighting in future land force planning, but will be the primary land force mission for the foreseeable future.
Thu, May 28, 2009
The author analyzes NATO defense expenditures over the past 10 years and troop contributions of the 1999 wave of new members (Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) during three NATO missions: Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. He concludes that these new members are fulfilling their commitments, including contributions to NATO missions, and suggests that as new member capabilities and levels of interoperability have increased, new member states have been more willing to take on additional responsibility and burdens.
Thu, May 28, 2009
The PLA is involved in an increasing number of missions. This book explores these, including disaster and humanitarian relief, UN peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism and border defense, and outer space and cyberspace security. Chapter authors consider the interplay between China's armed forces and its complex foreign policy and international security environment, describe how these interactions affect China's policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, and provide implications for U.S. strategic interests.
Thu, May 28, 2009
The authors argue for a comprehensive Officer Corps strategy recognizing the interdependency of accessing, developing, retaining and employing talent. They conclude that without such a talent-focused strategy, the Army and its Officer Corps confront the increasing likelihood that they will be unequal to future American national security demands.
Wed, April 29, 2009
In Afghanistan, provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) have played a growing role in the U.S. counterinsurgency effort. While civilian agencies remain essential for long-term economic development, the authors argue that PRTs conduct reconstruction in ways that create short-term stability. Accordingly, they recommend that the United States give the PRTs the lead role in reconstruction activities that accompany any surge of military forces into Afghanistan.
Wed, April 29, 2009
Arms control issues feature prominently in the Russo-American conflicted agenda. These represent political as well as military issues that are among the most critical components of the bilateral relationship and of regional security in both Europe and Asia. The author analyses both the political and military aspects of the relationship with respect to arms control.
Wed, April 29, 2009
U.S.-Russian relations seem to be at an impasse. However, given these nations' power, standing, and nuclear capability, dialogue will be resumed at some point. An analysis of the prospects for and conditions favoring cooperation is an urgent task -- crucial precisely because current relations are so difficult. The chapters of this volume represent both a tribute to a vision of political order based upon prior cooperation and a call to revitalize the relationship.
Wed, April 29, 2009
The term "Information Operations" means different things to different people. The author of this article argues it's time for a doctrinal pause to allow a clean slate review of information operations, strategic communication and, yes, cyberspace operations. He believes that such a review may find that "simpler is better."
Thu, April 2, 2009
Despite fissures within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the competitive tendencies within the Sino-Russian partnership, the author contends that the United States will not have an easy time achieving its aims in Central Asia. She argues that the rhetoric about a new Cold War in the aftermath of the Georgian crisis obscures the common interests of the great powers share in addressing transnational problems in Central Asia.
Wed, April 1, 2009
The author argues that Kazakhstan's armed forces, though subject to many structural changes, have not yet experienced systemic military reform. He assesses the achievements and setbacks of U.S. and NATO defense assistance to the country, while also showing that Kazakhstan remains deeply linked in close defense and security partnership with Russia.
Sun, March 29, 2009
The successful November 1942 Allied invasion of North Africa resulted from a rare combination of effective strategic planning, intelligence-based deception, operational security, and good luck. According to this USAWC faculty author, the episode offers lessons relevant to contemporary theater campaign planning and information operations.
Sat, March 28, 2009
Pioneers of nuclear-age policy analysis, Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter emerged as two of America's most consequential, innovative and controversial strategists. Although the Wohlstetters' strategic concepts and analytical methods continue to be highly influential, no book has brought together their most important published and unpublished essays -- until now.
Wed, February 25, 2009
Pioneers of nuclear-age policy analysis, Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter emerged as two of America's most consequential, innovative and controversial strategists. Although the Wohlstetters' strategic concepts and analytical methods continue to be highly influential, no book has brought together their most important published and unpublished essays - until now.
Wed, February 25, 2009
The author explores the actual and potential effects of the Iraq War that will face U.S. policymakers: the flow of refugees and displaced persons from Iraq; cross-border terrorism; the potential intensification of separatism and sectarian discord among Iraq's neighbors; and transnational crime.
Wed, February 25, 2009
This monograph identifies the "pieces of the puzzle" most relevant to national security strategy; surfaces the leading assumptions held by American policymakers and strategists; considers alternative national security policies; and specifies the necessary components of a sustainable national security strategy.
Wed, February 25, 2009
Operations Security is ever more challenging with the proliferation of new media availability on the battlefield. Cell phones and Internet access have made the military operating environment increasingly transparent. Add to that the expectation of Soldiers to access to social media sites and the complexity of Operations Security dramatically increases, demanding Commanders' emphasis as never before.
Wed, February 25, 2009
Examine how a USAWC faculty team recently assisted the Albanian Armed Forces senior leadership to address national security and military strategy development.
Mon, January 26, 2009
Latin American countries, in varying degrees, are suffering from the combination of weak states, ungoverned space, terrorism, and international criminal networks resulting in a different kind of war that defies borders. The author analyzes the critical role that the United States plays in the emerging security environment in the region.
Sat, January 24, 2009
This monograph explores the Palestinian movement, Hamas, and the recent Israeli strategies directed at this group and Palestinian nationalism external to the Fatah faction of the Palestinian Authority during the period leading up to the current active armed conflict.
Thu, January 22, 2009
Information as an element of power is increasingly more important. The Information in Warfare Working Group of the U.S. Army War College is pleased to present an anthology of selected student work from Academic Year 2008 representing examples of well-written and in-depth analyses on the vital subject of Information as Power. This anthology addresses issues and recommends solutions regarding the nexus of national security and information.
Sun, December 28, 2008
"Known Unknowns: 'Unconventional Strategic Shock' in Defense Strategy Development" examines this issue head on. Historically, defense strategy demonstrates three flaws: it is generally reactive, it lacks sufficient strategic imagination, and as a result it is vulnerable to surprise. The current administration confronted a game-changing "strategic shock" in its first 8 months in office. It was highly disruptive to DOD's worldview. The next administration and its Department of Defense leaders would be well-advised to expect the same kind of unconventional, nonmilitary shock to defense convention early in its first term.
Sun, December 28, 2008
As the nation approaches a new Administration, intense review of the foundational concepts of homeland security and homeland defense is underway. Brought together on the march and under fire under the previous Presidency, elemental definitions are being scrutinized to ensure they meet the requirements of domestic security which may lie ahead.
Sun, December 28, 2008
The dissolution of the Soviet Bloc and the disintegration of Yugoslavia produced 22 new independent governments across Europe and Central Asia. For those smaller entities at the lower end of the viability spectrum, independence, with the resulting disappearance of the economic and defense security blankets, has been more of a cold shower than a warm bath.
Sun, December 28, 2008
This article considers opportunities and challenges for the warfighter in an information environment increasingly dominated by "that combustible mix of 24/7 cable news, call-in radio and television programs, Internet bloggers and online websites, cell phones and iPods (Marvin Kalb). "New media" certainly enables our adversaries, but offers opportunities for the U.S. warfighter as well.
Fri, November 28, 2008
Examine the contemporary threat environment and how it may shape American security policy for the next presidential administration.
Fri, November 28, 2008
Over the last three decades America's concerns about border security have steadily escalated from what was once largely a humanitarian issue to concerns over paramilitary violence, organized crime, and international terrorism. New threats portend a new challenge for the military, both active and reserve components, if we are not to leave the nation's citizenry vulnerable.
Fri, November 28, 2008
Six principles believed capable of guiding future state-building activities and enhancing America's ability to "win the peace" while stabilizing chaotic regions.
Fri, November 28, 2008
The author of this monograph revises, reexamines, and reevaluates the contemporary military environment. He finds that the environment is a period of relative military stasis, of slow technological development, and of little novelty in broader issues. He concludes that this stasis affords us the time to examine the strategic environment more closely to ensure we truly understand its character.
Fri, November 28, 2008
USAFRICOM represents a logical step in proactive peacetime engagement. Yet the new command underscores an appearance of policy militarization and thus potentially ultimately weakens the link between the two threads. A nonmilitary lead coupled with still more diversified U.S. Government participation could strengthen the bond between military and nonmilitary threads of US foreign policy. To do this requires addressing the scale of required change and the perceptions of militarizing our foreign policy.
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