Maritime Interdiction: The Evolution of a Strategy
Abstract
The strategy of blockade is recognized as a belligerent action that has been successfully used to affect an adversary's warfighting ability by denying him the opportunity to resupply his war effort. The advent of modern technology, coupled with the maturation of the peacekeeping activities of international organizations has given credence to this strategy as a method of peaceful coercion rather than strictly a belligerent right. It has evolved from its introduction as a maritime siege by the Dutch in 1584, to its use as a method to attempt to pry Iraq out of Kuwait in 1990. Thus, this viable tactic is a powerful tool to be added to the military strategist's repertoire in meeting the challenges of low level and regional conflicts. It poses a challenge to international and interservice operability that must be met by military planners. The study of current operations can be of invaluable help in creating standard operating procedures for the future use of this creative method of international coercion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA236449
Entities
People
- Robert E. Morabito
Organizations
- Naval War College