Low Intensity Conflict

Abstract

Following World War II and the emergence of the U.S. and U.S.S.R. as the world's superpowers, U.S. political-military politics and strategies have been directed primarily toward containment of Soviet influence and preparation for another European war. However, the birth of numerous Third World nations in an increasingly complex and unstable international setting has led many experts to conclude that future global unrest will more likely be centered in the Third World. Most post World War II conflicts have in fact occurred in these regions. U.S. political-military capabilities for conducting something less than a conventional, unlimited war are increasingly criticized as inadequate and inappropriate. In addressing the need to refocus U.S. attention on other than the conventional European battlefield, this paper discusses the nature of Third World or low-intensity conflict (LIC), U.S. Third World policies, U.S. capabilities to respond to LIC, possible USAF roles in support of national objectives in the Third World, and implications for developing a credible response to LIC.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA241060

Entities

People

  • Alan J. Tinder

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

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  • Biomedical
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  • Human Systems
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  • Air Force
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  • Congress
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  • Economic Development
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  • Interagency Coordination
  • International Trade
  • Military Organizations
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  • National Politics
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  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Strategic Security Studies