Forward Presence and the Search for Peacetime Influence
Abstract
Within the search for peacetime influence, forward presence has gained a new preeminence among the elements of U.S. National Defense Strategy. The proactive nature of forward presence makes it conceptually well suited to seize current opportunities and therefore influence the shape of the future international security environment. The shift in U.S. National Security Strategy, from containment to enlargement, will force a conceptual shift in what forward presence is asked to do and therefore, how forward presence is done. Promoting peace, democracy, and prosperity are new challenges that will force a departure from the 'gunboat' diplomacy aspects of the Cold War. New methods of conducting forward presence feature engagement, prevention, and partnerships through programs such as nation assistance. The nontraditional aspects of these new methods will, in turn, raise issues which have implications for peacetime employment, force structure, and military training. The strategic importance of forward presence is its relationship to current and future U.S. interests. Currently the United States is in a unique position of trusted world leadership. The longevity of that role is dependent, in part, on how the issue of forward presence is handled. Ultimately, peacetime influence is gained through the totality of all elements of national power: economic, diplomatic, and military. Within the military element. forward presence offers much promise to gain long- term peacetime influence in the accomplishment of national objectives Forward presence, Peacetime Influence, U.S. military strategy, Gunboat diplomacy, Creating presence, Measuring presence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283405
Entities
People
- Bernard H. Fullenkamp
Organizations
- Naval War College