What Strategic Considerations Should Affect a Decision by the United States to Intervene with Military Force in Bosnia-Hercegovina?
Abstract
This study begins by examining the pressures which might lead to a U. S. deployment of military force to Bosnia-Hercegovina. Concluding that U.S. military forces might well find themselves committed to Bosnia without an appropriate mission, the study seeks to determine what measures might be taken to restore strategic rationality once such a decision has becomes policy. The path chosen to meet this challenge includes a detailed examination of the problems of Bosnia, some of the myths and realities associated with military intervention in the area, and an assessment of U.S. interests. The thesis concludes that feasible, suitable, and acceptable peace enforcement options exist that would very probably achieve a desired political end-state--acceptance of Vance-Owens type peace accord by the major parties involved. This study further concludes that the range of military options short of peace enforcement in Bosnia have little to recommend them, except to mitigate a decision by the U. S. to accept the division of most of Bosnia between Serbia and Croatia. Bosnia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia, Croatia, U.S. Interests, Yugoslavia, Sarajevo, Peace enforcement, Peacekeeping, Ethnic conflict, Nationalism, Bosnian Muslim, Ethnic cleansing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA273078
Entities
People
- Mark R. Seastrom
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College