Threat Assessment in the New World Order
Abstract
This case study explains various methods of justifying a nation's request to purchase, or receive via grants or aid, modern weapons from the United States. It examines the weapons acquisitions of Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the six year period from 1985 through 1990. These weapons acquisitions are examined in light of classical balance of power theory as they relate to a regional balance of power condition. The weapons amassed by each country are analyzed in terms of dollar expenditures; percentage of Gross Domestic Product allocated for defense; type of and numbers of weapons purchased (bean counts); technical characteristics of the weapons (combat potential) and the capability of the countries to use the weapons they have purchased (combat capability). Significant differences were found between each level of analysis when the results are compared to a universally accepted heuristic describing the military requirements for defensive sufficiency. Based on the study's findings, two models are created that can assist defense planners in determining the weapons requirements of nations requesting security assistance from the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253059
Entities
People
- Cyrus E. Holliday
Organizations
- Georgia Tech