Nation-Building and the Operational Commander
Abstract
In the aftermath of the Cold War, the absence of a global threat and the prohibitive economics of retaining a large forward deployed military have caused the US to re-think its military strategy. The results are a more regional strategic focus and a new emphasis on assistance vice military force. This new focus has increased the CINC's responsibilities, requiring him to employ all instruments of nat'l power to ensure the stability and security of his region. The melding of nat'l means to this end is nation-building--a coordinated approach for advancing a nation by developing its infrastructure and institutions. This paper is an introduction to nation-building. Its scope is limited to the CINC. It does not examine the politics or costs of nation- building. Only those means available to the CINC are addressed. Security assistance, civic action, training, FID and counter-drug operations are examined. It is concluded that nation-building is a viable CINC mission. However, based on historical examples, it must be executed with diplomacy and respect for the host nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266736
Entities
People
- Robert D. Maslowsky
Organizations
- Naval War College