The Strategic Implications of the Use of Nonlethal Force.

Abstract

The national defense strategy of the United States is based on the premises of shaping the environment, responding to existing threats and preparing for the future. Nonlethal technologies can influence all these requirements. Like most nations, America uses its diplomatic, informational, military and economic resources to affect national policy. Nonlethal technologies can impact all the elements of national power, not just the military ones. This paper will examine emerging nonlethal technologies as well as those currently available. It examines the moral and legal implications of using nonlethal weapons, as well as potential conflicts with existing American treaties. It will examine the issue of nonlethal weapons changing the essence of military force. Finally, it will address the question of the long term uses these instruments will have in U.S. national policy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1998
Accession Number
ADA341112

Entities

People

  • Clyde A. Page

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Craft
  • Air Power
  • Casualties
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Governments
  • Incapacitating Agents
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Nonlethal Agents
  • Nonlethal Weapons
  • Personnel Management
  • Space Systems
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.