An Enhanced Role of the Economics Element of National Power in Military Operations: The Mexican Economy as a Case Study for U.S. Northern Command Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Planning
Abstract
Today the western world has shifted focus from a cold-war era emphasis on countering communism, to now competing economically in a globalized market place. The economics element of national power has become critical for supporting military operations that will achieve lasting peace. Too often the understanding of the economics tool is simply understood to mean the financing of various other efforts in an area of operations, and this simplistic economic approach often leads to over-dependence on U.S. monetary aid, vice actually helping a host nation achieve a desired self-sufficiency. A more robust application of economics would seek to develop the host nation's own financial capacity via appropriate policies and tools of governance to sustain and manage its own trade and financial institutions. This research paper proposes how a U.S. Northern Command Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) plan focused on economics might be implemented to improve Mexico's trade and commerce. Five recommendations based on effective solutions developed by various nations facing challenges similar to those of Mexico are proposed in support of a TSC plan. These lines of effort articulate the expected ends, ways, means, risk, and measures of performance to make the plan effective at an operational level. The five lines-of-effort are intricately inter-related in that a change by one will have significant impact on the others. Therefore, one overall measure of effectiveness that will track the combined performance of the five lines of effort will help the overall plan remain focused on the desired end state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 26, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA555426
Entities
People
- Herman O. Pfaeffle
Organizations
- Naval War College