Factional Violence: The Growing Threat.
Abstract
The demise of the Soviet Union as a world power and other factors, presents an opportunity for numerous groups to aggressively seek power or autonomy. Often, these groups-- commonly referred to as clans, factions, or tribes--resort to violence in an attempt to attain their goals. These disputes regularly involve other factions and frequently, several groups are engaged in warfare with each other. Factions are bound by cultural, ethnic, or religious ties and many groups are accustomed to warfare as a way of life. Typically, the factions place extreme value in their heritage and often demonstrate little allegiance to the state. Some groups have discovered the financial gains offered by the drug business and organized crime. America and the United Nations are moving from Peace Enforcement to strictly Peacekeeping missions. The price of delaying intervention is costly in terms of human lives and future expenditures to reestablish a functional government. Factional violence, often requires a combination of diplomacy, military intervention and economic assistance to reach a long-term solution. Some conflicts may not ever be fully resolved because of a tradition of societal warfare. Factional violence presents unique challenges for military forces due to the often chaotic environment. MOOTW missions can be particularly complex and require commanders to adjusts the way they apply the Operational Art.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325183
Entities
People
- David S. Hessacker
Organizations
- Naval War College