The Operational Impact of the U.S. Assassination Ban

Abstract

Regional CINCs are finding that their areas of responsibility contain more and more rogue states and non-state organizations, such as terrorist groups, governed by hostile leadership that recognize the benefits of assassination, the specific targeting of the top leadership of another nation, as a means of furthering their state's or organization's political objectives. Despite the fact that in numerous circumstances international laws of armed conflict do not bar the use of assassination, through a presidential executive order the United States has unilaterally banned its use regardless of the nature of the conflict or the status of the leader. The United States should eliminate the assassination ban. As potentially one of the most effective and efficient means for combating and deterring aggression from rogue states and terrorists, assassination or at least the credible threat of assassination, should be an option available to the United States.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 05, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389479

Entities

People

  • Stephen J. Berg

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  • Naval War College

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