Using Center of Gravity Analysis to Defeat Violent Extremist Organizations

Abstract

Attacking a VEOs Center of Gravity (COG) is key to defeating it. Joe Stranges theory looks at an enemys COG through its primary abilities which merit it to exist as such. This thesis uses two significant historical case studies to demonstrate Stranges theory retroactively in the defeat of the Medellin and Cali drug cartels and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and then uses that analysis to develop a strategy to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Analysis of the case studies shows several critical vulnerabilities exist within ISIS that are ripe for exploitation using specific instruments of power. This thesis demonstrates the viability of using Stranges Center of Gravity analysis method to defeat ISIS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 04, 2016
Accession Number
AD1017799

Entities

People

  • Lawrence P. Wood

Organizations

  • Joint Forces Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Counterterrorism
  • Criminals
  • Department Of Defense
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Governments
  • Military Applications
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.