Beyond Pain: Coercing Violent Non-State Actors

Abstract

Today's global conflict environment is permeated by the existence of a diverse range of violent nonstate actors (VNSA). These groups utilize subversive means to exploit and disrupt the international system, frequently committing heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians in the process. Short of war, how can nation-states effectively counter the actions of VNSA? This paper examines the proposition that VNSA can be coerced by the threat or limited use of military force. By defining the problem, adapting strategy to the problem and assessing the historical record the author makes the case that coercion is a viable option for confronting VNSA.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA536079

Entities

People

  • Troy S. Thomas

Organizations

  • National War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nato
  • Political Science
  • Psychological Operations
  • Psychology
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.