Preemptive Action - Setting the Left and Right Limits

Abstract

The nation currently debates the policy of preemption, specifically with regard to possible actions against Iraq and the threat posed by their stockpile and development of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Commentators frame the discussion in terms of a choice between the policy options of deterrence, the status quo, or preemptive action. Unfortunately that debate has been driven by an emotionally charged assumption that preemptive action is a singular course of action rather than a multifaceted array of policy options. Conspicuously absent is a discussion of criteria for the use of preemptive action and the specific options available. This monograph will attempt to bring clarity to the debate on the policy of preemptive action through an analysis of the changes in the National Security Strategy, its definition, and an examination of the related moral and legal issues. This monograph will also recommend a framework for executing preemptive action.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 2003
Accession Number
ADA415742

Entities

People

  • Harold H. Worrell Jr.

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Cold War
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • Law
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Public Policy
  • Security
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.