Operation Sharp Guard: Lessons Learned for the Policymaker and Commander.

Abstract

Operation Sharp Guard reveals several lessons. For the policymaker, it illustrates the importance of as many nations as possible agreeing to observe an embargo/sanctions. That is, when 'sending' countries are disciplined and observe embargo/sanctions requirements, a critical mass of force can build up on the 'target' country, much like Clausewitz prescription to mass force on the enemy. However, embargos and sanctions take time and are not the appropriate policy for those desiring a quick victory. For the Commander, Operation Sharp Guard proved that NATO and WEU can work well together, at lease on joint naval operations and under NATO command. However, until the EU matures and can present a common front on foreign policy issues with more regularity, the U.S. should not expect the WEU to take on an operational task and go it alone.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 13, 1997
Accession Number
ADA328118

Entities

People

  • Kathleen M. Reddy

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central Europe
  • Commerce
  • Europe
  • European Communities
  • European Union
  • Foreign Policy
  • Germany
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Military Equipment
  • Military Operations
  • Naval Operations
  • Security
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Yugoslavia

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.