On Politics and Airpower
Abstract
Airpower advocates point to the exponential increases in precision, stealth and power of modern air systems as proof positive of a new era in warfare. Yet such claims cannot be isolated from the political objective airpower ultimately serves. This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of the strategic employment of airpower from a political perspective. The inherent political advantages are introduced first along with a summary of current strategic airpower theory. Next some of the limitations of strategic airpower are explored with examples. Finally, the political employment of U.S. strategic airpower is summarized for each major conflict from World War II to Kosovo to illustrate how politics and airpower interact at the strategic level. Politics often drives strategy, playing to both airpower's strengths and weaknesses. The author concludes that while the advantages of modern U.S. airpower make it an obvious choice for achieving national objectives, political leaders need to be aware of the long term cost and limitations of reliance on airpower as a strategic means.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401916
Entities
People
- Bradley J. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College