The Impact of Presidential Decision Directive 25 on Intervention Policy for Complex Emergencies.
Abstract
In response to the increasing number of post-Cold War interventions, the Clinton administration conducted a detailed review of American policy to clarify when, why, and how the United States intervenes abroad. One document from the policy review is Presidential Decision Directive 25 (PDD-25), The Clinton Administration's Policy on Reforming Multilateral Peace Operations. This thesis examines the impact of PDD-25 on future intervention decisions, focusing on 'complex emergencies.' Complex emergencies are those cases which defy categorization into the standard military terminology because they require multiple types of missions to respond to a complicated situation involving societal, political, and economic chaos with human suffering. In examining the impact of PDD-25 on these cases, this thesis reviews current concepts concerning both complex emergencies and intervention, compares PDD-25 with recent intervention policies, and analyzes PDD-25 based on the characteristics of sound military doctrine. PDD-25 is an improvement of previous policy but still lacks a detailed appreciation of conducting interventions, especially in complex emergencies. Inconsistencies between PDD-25 and the requirements of intervention exist concerning clarity of national interests: a tendency toward self-deterrence; preclusion of the possibility of early intervention: concerns for international legal precedents; and expectations of short duration, low costs, and absolute impartiality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312207
Entities
People
- Matthew L. Sorenson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College