Military Diplomacy: An Essential Tool for Foreign Policy at the Theater Strategic Level
Abstract
The driving concept behind this monograph is the thesis that not only does the military conduct diplomacy, but military diplomacy, at the combatant command level, provides a theater strategic capability essential to the effective implementation of U.S. foreign policy. The monograph demonstrates that this capability arises from several organizational advantages. First, the authority vested in the combatant commander facilitates the development, resourcing, and execution of military diplomacy programs within a unified chain of command. Second, the combatant command contains a highly capable staff founded on historically proven structures and doctrine. Third, an extensive network of personnel and organizations positioned to coordinate across multiple levels of authority facilitates the implementation of military diplomacy activities. Finally, an unmatched pool of resources from which to execute military diplomacy allows for flexibility and responsiveness when adjusting to a complex environment. The analytical methodology required to examine this topic is through qualitative analysis of primary and secondary source information. The study finds that not only does United States Pacific Command conduct diplomacy, but also that military diplomacy plays an essential role in U.S. diplomatic efforts at the theater strategic level. Currying tremendous international influence, controlling enormous resources, and capable of quickly executing a wide variety of missions, the combatant command provides an invaluable means of exporting United States foreign policy. This occurs through the use of force in times of war and through the use of military diplomacy in times of peace. As a foreign policy tool, the combatant command possesses expertise, resources, and capabilities that no other department or agency within the United States Government can bring to bear.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA450837
Entities
People
- James E. Willard
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College