Identifying Commonalities Within the Operational Environment When Chemical Weapons Are Used
Abstract
Although a wide range of literature exists which discusses the use of chemical weapons, none explores their employment in the context of the conditions of the operational environment. This monograph identifies four commonalities that exist within operational environments encouraging or enabling the use of chemical weapons. They are the presence of an existential threat, an ineffective international reaction, a perception of success caused by chemical weapons, and the presence of moral disengagement mechanisms. Understanding that these commonalities exist, and that measures can be taken to counter them, allows future operational planners to develop approaches which will mitigate or prevent the use of chemical weapons against forces across the range of military operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1173664
Entities
People
- Dominic A. Wiejak
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies