The Instrument-Element Model: A Grand-Strategic Model for War
Abstract
This thesis develops a model for understanding and conducting war at the level of grand strategy. Grand strategy seeks the seamless integration of all aspects of national power to achieve a desired policy goal. The model is named the "Instrument-Element Model" because it focuses on the essential elements that underlie the instruments of power by which belligerents contend with each other. Each belligerent is modeled by three elements: the people, the government, and the military. Belligerents affect each other using the instruments of national power: diplomacy, information, military force, economic leverage, and this thesis argues, ethical principles. This thesis argues that successful grand strategies can focus on the people, the government, or the military. The Instrument-Element Model is tested and illustrated by an analysis of three wars in which a successful grand strategy focused on each of the three elements: the 1967 Arab-Israeli War (focusing on the Military), the 1999 Kosovo War (focusing on the Government), and the Algerian Revolution of 1954-1962 (focusing on the People). The thesis also considers how to apply the Instrument-Element Model to terrorist and insurgent groups. The author concludes with three recommendations to help the United States think, fight, and win grand-strategically.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA439612
Entities
People
- Ian R. Nesbitt
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School