Shock and Awe: A Sufficient Condition for Victory?
Abstract
This paper examines the role of shock and awe in quick, decisive victory. Shock and awe are explained in the context of strategies that target the perception and understanding of the enemy leadership -- such strategies are grouped under the rubric of perceptual-effects. These strategies represent a significant point of departure from annihilation or attrition strategies whose target is the enemy' 5 fielded force, and which only indirectly target the perception of the adversary. Shock and awe, when effectively used, appear to induce a sense of hopelessness in the adversary. This causes him to capitulate even though he still maintains sufficient means to resist. In effect, it short-circuits the need to "physically defeat the enemy by deceiving him into believing that further resistance is futile. To illustrate shock and awe at the operational level, the Israeli victory in the 1967 Six-Day War and the German defeat in the 1944 Ardennes offensive are examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389508
Entities
People
- David J. Gibson
Organizations
- Naval War College