Military Implications of Moral Objectives in the National Security Strategy of the United States of America
Abstract
President George W. Bush's 2002 National Security Strategy of the United States of America (NSS) insists America must "stand firmly for the nonnegotiable demands of human dignity: the rule of law; limits on the absolute power of the state; free speech; freedom of worship; equal justice; respect for women; religious and ethnic tolerance; and respect for private property." NSS objectives of a moral nature have major implications for the military as an element of national power. Currently, the U.S. military is being heavily employed in the pursuit of a foreign policy of democratization. Leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces who are responsible for and responsive to the National Military Strategy must understand the international relations theories that undergird foreign policy and the corresponding moral foundations and facets of the NSS that directs the promotion of our national values abroad. Ethical questions of military support to moral objectives can be viewed through the lens of nation-building efforts that follow major combat operations. Classical and modern theories and definitions of democracy are evaluated in the research alongside the moral underpinnings of the U.S. foreign agenda. Assessments of the 'ends, ways, and means' of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq are offered as measurements of the military's effectiveness is furthering national interests. Difficulties with consistent application of values-based foreign policy are addressed. Finally, leadership metacompetencies required for globally strategic policy formulation are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA434431
Entities
People
- Benjamin A. Shevchuk
Organizations
- United States Army War College