Political scientist James H. Lebovic establishes that the size,
strength, flexibility, and adaptability of the U.S. military cannot
ensure victory in asymmetrical conflicts.
In "The Limits of U.S. Military Capability," Lebovic shows how
political and psychological factors trumped U.S. military
superiority in Vietnam and Iraq, where inappropriate strategies,
low stakes, and unrealistic goals mired the United States military
in protracted, no-win conflicts.
Lebovic contends that the United States is at a particular
disadvantage when fighting a counterinsurgency without the full
support of the host government; when leveraging various third
parties (the adversary's foreign allies, societal leaders, and
indigenous populations); when attempting to build coalitions and
nations while involved in combat; and when sustaining government
and public support at home when costs rise and benefits
decline.
Lebovic cautions against involving the U.S. military in
operations without first considering U.S. stakes and suggests that
the military take a less-is-more approach when choosing to employ
force. Ambitious goals bring higher costs, unexpected results,
diminished options, and a greater risk of failure.
Rejecting the heavy-handed approach that is typical of most
comparisons between the Vietnam and Iraq wars, "The Limits of U.S.
Military Capability" carefully assesses evidence to develop lessons
applicable to other conflicts--especially the ongoing war in
Afghanistan.
General
Imprint: |
Johns Hopkins University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
August 2010 |
First published: |
June 2010 |
Authors: |
James H. Lebovic
(Professor)
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 25mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
312 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8018-9472-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Social sciences >
Warfare & defence >
General
|
LSN: |
0-8018-9472-7 |
Barcode: |
9780801894725 |
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