Coalition Warfare: More Power or More Problems?

Abstract

Coalition warfare is both complex and complicated: the paradox is that while often a source of strength, coalitions are as often a source of weakness as well. Although coalitions are historically the 'American way of war, ' little has been written which explores the advantages and difficulties of combined operations. This paper reviews historical coalitions, especially Korea and the Gulf War, two examples which show that although cumbersome, coalitions offer unique advantages. Coalitions may be the most difficult way of war, but they offer international legitimacy, increased capabilities, cost sharing and access. Coalitions are both the history and the future of US warfare; the challenges of combined warfare must be accommodated in our planning and reflected in our doctrine.... Coalition, Alliance, Collective security, Korean War, Desert Shield/Storm.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 18, 1993
Accession Number
ADA264186

Entities

People

  • Mark O. Schissler

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.