Political Success in War: A Criterion for Success
Abstract
What is success in war? Who defines success? A review of past theorists, including Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Jomini, and Clausewitz, along with modern scholars such as William Martel, Azar Gat, and J. Boone Bartholomees produces a model for understanding success. First, success must be defined using political terms. Since war is a political endeavor at the strategic level, success in war must be defined using political language. Politicians and military leaders must define the objectives of war and convince the population that the political condition has improved using whatever political language is required for the given situation. Military tactical language is not sufficient for defining success at the political level. Second, political leaders must define the desired objective for the military campaign. Political leaders understand politics and the nature of the population. Military leaders should help political leaders define success in war. Politicians understand the population and military leaders understand the theory and history of war. Third, the political condition that exists at the end of the war determines whether or not the war was successful. Victory in battle is important, but it is not always necessary for success. War must improve the political condition. Finally, a review of two U.S. conflicts in Lebanon against the success model demonstrates its utility. The political and military leaders who were in charge in 1958 followed the theory of the model and achieved a successful outcome. However, the political and military leaders who were in charge in 1983 did not adhere to the theory of the success model and were unable to achieve success. Although adherence to the model will not guarantee future success, it can be used by political and military leaders to better prepare for future conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA505132
Entities
People
- Stephen S. Jackman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College