The Impact of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Building Future Coalitions
Abstract
Following years of conflict in Iraq, the initial "Coalition of the Willing" has dwindled with the loss of Spain, Britain, and Italy among others. The methods used by the United States in conducting Operation Iraqi Freedom, including perceived illegitimate preemptive war over Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), third country renditions, and torture have inflicted what may be irreparable damage to the United States' ability to generate coalition support in the future. Fighting effectively in the future will require effective coalition building strategies that must begin well before the conflict ever starts. To build coalition support in the future, the United States should enhance its pre-conflict engagement strategy so that coalition support may be easily built during contingencies. When kinetic response is required, U.S. strategy should ensure legitimate action within the confines of international law and work to change international law with respect to the preemption of WMD and terrorism. The United States should take into account the second and third order effects of any proposed action and court the support of regional powers, where possible, to ensure long-term stability and increase legitimacy. At the very least, the United States should strive to be seen as a benevolent world power, and it should focus strategic communications on pre-conflict engagement strategies to encourage future international support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA482280
Entities
People
- Henri C. Lambert
Organizations
- United States Army War College