Strategic Resource Dependence, Conflict, and Implications for U.S. National Security Policy in the Twenty-First Century
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine technological strategic resource dependence, its potential for conflict in the 21st century, and subsequent influences on United States national security policy. In particular, the study explored whether the belief that nations are in a constant state of armed conflict over strategic resources, or preparing for such conflict, is substantiated. To gain insight into this issue, the study explored five interrelated concepts within the context of three historical examples. The five concepts explored were macroinventions/microinventions, strategic resources and access, use of the military instrument of national power, effects on national security policy, and the concept of techno-resource-dependence transition periods. The study did not find what it expected with regards to historical strategic resource conflict. That is, it did not find that technological strategic resource dependence always led to "armed" conflict, nor did it find that nations have been in a constant state of armed conflict, or preparing for armed conflict, over strategic resources. Instead, the study found that strategic resource dependence has usually led to economic and informational conflict, with informational conflict increasing as technology progressed. More precisely, emergent technology has had a much greater and longer lasting influence on policy than the resources themselves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA569852
Entities
People
- David W. Mayfield
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College