Fighting the Global War on Terrorism - Are There Lessons From the Cold War?
Abstract
In the years immediately following WWII America began a new struggle for survival and dominance. Faced with the threat of monolithic communism, U.S. government policy makers brilliantly crafted a new national security strategy based on opposing communism through containment. This successful strategy served as a guide for almost fifty years, helping successive administrations navigate the difficult and complex terrain of the Cold War. It was the centerpiece of America's growth and resulting hegemony. Now America is engaged in another struggle that threatens its very foundation and security. U.S. leaders are again being called to craft a national security strategy for this new kind of global environment, with the threat of destructive terrorism at the center. This paper will examine the post - WWII Cold War environment--the origins of the "war on communism" and apply some of the more significant lessons learned to America's present Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). I will apply the Strategy Formulation Model in addressing vision, national policy, and the ends, ways, means of a national strategy for the GWOT, and suggest ways in which America can use its national power to influence the significant forces and trends of the global and domestic environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA432311
Entities
People
- Paul Calbos
Organizations
- United States Army War College