U.S. Use of Preemptive Military Force
Abstract
This report reviews the historical record regarding the uses of U.S. military force in a "preemptive" manner, an issue that has emerged due to the possible use of U.S. military force against Iraq. It examines and comments on military actions taken by the United States that could be reasonably interpreted as "preemptive" in nature. For purposes of this analysis we consider a "preemptive" use of military force to be the taking of military action by the United States against another nation so as to prevent or mitigate a presumed military attack or use of force by that nation against the United States. We do not deem the deployment of U.S. military forces in support of U.S. foreign policy, without their engaging in combat, to be a "preemptive" use of military force. This review includes all noteworthy uses of military force by the United States since the establishment of the Republic. A listing of such instances can be found in CRS Report RL30172, "Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798- 2001." For an analysis of international law and preemptive force see CRS Report RS21314, "International Law and the Preemptive Use of Force Against Iraq." This report will be updated if significant events warrant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA520389
Entities
People
- Richard F. Grimmett
Organizations
- Library of Congress