Applying the Center of Gravity Concept to the War on Drugs
Abstract
The U. S. Government has been striving to reduce illicit drug use in America since the early 1990s. The current "war on drugs" was initiated in the 197Os and has used various policies and strategies, to include enlisting the support of the Department of Defense in 1989. U.S. drug control programs are classified as either demand-reduction or supply-reduction activities. Several strategies aimed at reducing either demand or supply have been implemented with modest success. Yet, illegal drugs are still readily available on American streets. To achieve greater success, where should the priority of effort by placed? In planning operations, the military relies on identifying centers of gravity as an important concept for focusing efforts to defeat an adversary. It is deeply ingrained in today's military doctrine. Is this concept applicable to the war on drugs"? This paper presents the center of gravity concept, examines its relevance to the illegal narcotics industry, analyzes drug control strategies, and offers recommendations on where U.S. agencies might focus efforts in order to have a greater impact on reducing the availability and use of illegal-drugs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404748
Entities
People
- Thomas B. Bennett
Organizations
- United States Army War College