Criminality and Policing in Stability and Support Operations
Abstract
In his article, "Failed-State Operational Environment Concepts," published in the October 1997 issue of Military Review, Robert J. Bunker highlights the fact that American Army doctrine has long sought to address the "not war-not peace" environment characterizing many fragile states. He takes issue with certain contemporary paradigms concerning operations in such states, generally typified as operations other than war (OOTW) or stability and support operations (SASO), suggesting that the Army remains institutionally confined by Clausewitzian concepts and that a fundamentally new understanding is required. To facilitate that understanding, he proposes an operational environment model that introduces a theme of war and crime as an addition to the more traditional ones. Some aspects of his new matrix deserve further explanation. For example, it is not immediately clear how crime within a state is different from that between states or why humanitarian aid should be included within the Clausewitzian cell of crime. However, the matrix focuses attention on the fact that "crime is a virtually overlooked environment in Army doctrinal thinking." It is this aspect of Bunker's argument that this article addresses. Crime is an integral part of the operational environment now. Doctrine should recognize this truth because an awareness of crime is fundamental to understanding both the operational complexities contemporary military commanders must meet and the political considerations driving missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA485673
Entities
People
- Alice Hills