The Role of Public Opinion on Troop Footprint in Military Conflicts
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to expand upon existing studies regarding public opinion and the global use of American military forces by focusing on troop footprints in various historical conflicts. This thesis addresses the specific question of how public opinion affects decisions made about troop footprints in wars overseas. The Vietnam War, Salvadoran Civil War, and Iraq War were examined, using a mixed methodology comprised of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Variations were noted within and across conflicts, but research suggests that the publics increased awareness of unintentionally prolonged involvement in war heightened negative sentiment regarding the use of American troops. Despite the changing public sentiment over the course of each war, public pressure was always present in the minds of decision-makers. The degree to which public opinion impacted decisions about troop footprints varied across conflicts. Further research is needed to determine how the various factors that comprise public opinion may influence decisions about troop footprints in future wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225368
Entities
People
- Tyler Jackson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School