Carrots or Sticks? Libya and U.S. Efforts to Influence Rogue States

Abstract

The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether it is possible to successfully apply a behavior modification strategy to rogue states. The dramatic changes in the international system since the early nineties, namely the end of the Cold War and the more recent post-9/11 ascendancy of the Bush Doctrine, have left many to wonder whether Cold War era influence strategies such as deterrence, compellence, and engagement are viable against new threats. If these strategies are viable, how should they be used to influence the most immediate and pressing threats-rogue states trafficking in terrorism or weapons of mass destruction? This analysis will examine United States' efforts through four U.S. presidential administrations (1986-2004) to convince Libya to cease its support for both international terrorism and the production of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). In this particular case the United States was attempting to convince the target state, Libya, to stop an action already underway (support for terrorism and/or production of WMD in existing facilities and with existing resources) and also deter future support and production. As such, U.S. influence strategy necessarily combined, at minimum, compellence (efforts to stop an action already underway) and deterrence (efforts to prevent future action). Additionally, the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations also used positive incentives in a conditional fashion after Tripoli demonstrated a willingness to change its behavior.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA524907

Entities

People

  • Jamie A. Calabrese

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Strikes
  • Arms Control Treaties
  • Bombing
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Deterrence
  • Governments
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Systems Analysis and Design