Beachhead Warfare: To What Extent Is Economic Statecraft a Threat to Military Power?
Abstract
To inform and help improve national resiliency against gray zone threats, this thesis explores the extent to which economic statecraft influences military power. It does so by advancing the concept of "beachhead warfare": the process of creating footholds in dependencies for military power through economic instruments. The project explores the "Olavsvern", "Pilotage Exception Certificate", and "Bergen Engines" cases, which demonstrate that Russian beachhead warfare toward Norway has the potential to establish strategic positions in critical areas such as technology, infrastructure, and supply chains with significant military implications. The study concludes that beachhead warfare poses a significant indirect threat to military power with the potential to establish relational dominance: the power to control and influence relationships among different actors in a conflict or competition. Through economic subversion, a state can either enhance its own warfighting capabilities or weaken those of its adversaries. The recommendation for the Norwegian Ministry of Defence is to establish a strategic plan and organization to improve cross-sectoral communication and mitigate the risks associated with beachhead warfare. The theoretical and analytical framework provided in this thesis bridges the gap between economic activity and military power, offering a valuable starting point for comprehending the detrimental ramifications of economic activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1213263
Entities
People
- Nikolai Faukstad
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School