Concepts of Conflict: Towards a Military Theory of Conflict,

Abstract

In this study, the author builds a foundation for a military theory of conflict through identification of basic concepts which provide an understanding of the nature and structure of conflict. His aim is to illuminate the major elements of these concepts and to identify the military implications of those broad areas of human conflict not covered by civilian thought and experience. The basic concepts which he presents are: (1) The natural human origins of conflict; (2) The origins of international conflict; (3) The continuum of conflict; and (4) The necessity for force and the use of power and force. A topical outline of a comprehensive theory of conflict is appended. In a second appendix he examines the military implications of David Halberstam's book 'The Best and the Brightest'. This analysis is undertaken to present, within the context of a single issue (Vietnam), many of the concepts which are fundamental to military theory.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 1973
Accession Number
ADA043417

Entities

People

  • George O. Goodson Jr

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Conflicts
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Social Sciences
  • Societies
  • Sociopolitics
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Violence
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Fields of Study

  • History

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design