Saint, Sinner, or Soldier - Liberation Theology and Low Intensity Conflict

Abstract

This monograph discusses the Army's Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) doctrine and how it applies to Liberation Theology. Both Operation Urgent Fury and Just Cause demonstrated the potential for conventional combat forces to be thrust into a LIC environment. The recent implication of a US Army major in the murder of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador highlights the need to examine LIC doctrine in the context of Liberation Theology. This study will show that Liberation Theology is an ideological base of support for Central American insurrection. This monograph examines LIC doctrine to determine if it provides the tactical commander with the necessary tools to operate in a LIC environment encompassed in Liberation Theology. The monograph begins with an examination of Liberation Theology and its relationship with Marxism. Next, Liberation Theology is traced from its mid-1960s origins to its present level of political and military influence in Central America.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 17, 1991
Accession Number
ADA251314

Entities

People

  • Robert H. Drumm Jr.

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central America
  • Doctrine
  • Economic Systems
  • Governments
  • Guerrilla Warfare
  • Insurgency
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Political Ideologies
  • Political Systems
  • Public Policy
  • Societies
  • Terrorists
  • Violence
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.