The Bush Doctrine: Power Concepts, Preemption and the Global War on Terror
Abstract
The National Security Strategy of the United States (NSS) provides the strategic compass for U.S. global interaction. The current NSS referred to as "The Bush Doctrine," differs from previous published strategy documents in two ways. First developed from the aftermath of 9/11', it's significantly threat-based providing dear visibility on the primary dangers facing America-terrorist organizations with global reach rogue regimes and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). And secondly it provides a stated use-of-force policy that addresses the requirement for offensive action to prevent threats from materializing on American shores. Referred to by critics as the policy of preemption', no other published NSS has received such tremendous negative attention from both domestic leaders and abroad. Policy critics however routinely focus on the controversial neglecting the whole picture perspective of policy intent. lt's here that actions speak louder than words-in the two-plus years of the declared Global War on Terror', the U.S. has yet to overly execute the preemptive option. This paper outlines the threat discusses both the preemptive military arrow and the coercive power concepts associated with diplomacy and attempts to provide policy clarify based on U.S. actions over the last several years. The intent is to illustrate the use of preemptive action as a marginalized option-its the seldom used event-and assert the central role of the diplomatic arm of power in the campaign on terror. And because diplomacy plays the key role for motivating international action the political arena of the United Nations (UN) is integral to success. But until the UN as an institution discovers its place in the new post-Cold War security environment the burden for generating a global response falls squarely on American shoulders. To remain a relevant institution for promoting peace and stability the UN must redefine its role to meet the challenges of today's threats.7
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423927
Entities
People
- Thomas C. Mcmullen
Organizations
- United States Army War College