Blunting the Sharp Sword? The Impact of 21st Century National Security Policy Initiative on Military Operations
Abstract
United States military forces face a different world as the 21st century begins. The phenomenon known as 'globalization' has created increased political, economic, and social interdependence among nations. With the emergence of new regional and transnational threats, world stability becomes a far greater challenge for the engagement strategies of the United States. For the United States to retain its prominent role in world affairs it must continue to exercise leadership abroad. Evolving national security policy originating from the United States Commission on National Security in the 21st Century (the 'Hart-Rudman' Commission), the National Security Strategy, and national security directives are suggesting the continued use of U.S. military force deployments in support of peace operations, notwithstanding criticism that utilization of military forces in peace operations degrades warfighting capability. This monograph traces the development of current national security themes from American preference for annihilation strategies and distaste of limited wars, and the historical dissonance between military resources allocated in peacetime and those found to be required for war. It examines recommendations of the Hart-Rudman Commission, and implementation of national security policy through Presidential Decision Directives (PDDs), to evaluate their probable impact on the operational preparedness of U.S. military forces and military 'readiness'. It concludes that use of U.S. military forces for engagement strategies in support of peace operations is a valid and wise exercise of the military implement of national power. In the 21st century the need for peace operations is likely to increase, rather than decrease, and future coordination between the military and other U.S. agencies such as the Department of State will become all the more important.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA403847
Entities
People
- Charles D. Lawhorn
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College