Decapitation: A Case for a Better Guillotine

Abstract

Decapitation is the application of kinetic operations designed to kill another actor's leadership to produce regime change or halt the actions of a non-state actor. Although rarely considered, it is a viable strategic concept. Decapitation is different than assassination and this difference, along with the current dual threats of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, is what makes it a viable strategic concept. Decapitation is an ethical, moral, and legally sound way to achieve the desired end state. Therefore, the Executive Order prohibiting assassination should be amended to clarify the language, and decapitation should be embraced as one strategic concept that has utility in today's international arena.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 23, 2007
Accession Number
ADA467242

Entities

People

  • William D. Miles

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Air Force
  • Education
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • Iraqi-War
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Public Opinion
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction
  • Wounds And Injuries

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design