Air Power as a Coercive Instrument

Abstract

As part of this larger study, members of the research team explored the role of air power as a coercive instrument. In recent years, decision makers have called on the USAF to play a major role in attempting to coerce foes in the Persian Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and Europe. Although the United States and the USAF have scored some notable successes, the record is mixed. The purpose of the study reported here is to better understand the phenomenon of coercion and learn what is necessary to carry it out, anticipate likely constraints on the use of force, and determine how air power can best be used to coerce. The report will be of particular interest to USAF and other Defense Department planners who seek to use force more effectively.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA367573

Entities

People

  • Daniel L. Byman
  • Eric Larson
  • Matthew C. Waxman

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Civil War
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Economic Sanctions
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Organizations
  • National Politics
  • Second World War
  • Sociopolitics
  • Terrorists
  • Treaties
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Strategic Security Studies