Asymmetrical Warfare - Today'S Challenge to U.S. Military Power (Paperback, 1st ed)

In this concise and penetrating study, Roger Barnett illuminates the effect of operational, organisational, legal, and moral constraints on the ability of the U.S. to use military force. As the tragic events of September 11 demonstrated, potential adversaries can take advantage of these limitations, thus spawning "asymmetrical warfare." Barnett defines asymmetrical warfare as not simply a case of pitting one's strength against another's weakness but rather of taking the calculated risk to exploit an adversary's inability or unwillingness to prevent, or defend against, certain actions. For instance, launching chemical, biological, or suicide attacks; taking indiscriminate actions against critical infrastructure; using hostages or human shields; deliberately destroying the environment; and targeting non-combatants all constitute possible asymmetrical warfare scenarios. Against these acts, the U.S. has not prepared any response in kind. Indeed it either cannot or will not undertake such responses, thus making these attacks especially difficult to counter. This refusal to retaliate in an "eye for an eye" fashion complicates the dilemma of American policy makers who seek to wield power and influence on the world stage while simultaneously projecting a peaceful and benign image. Barnett concludes that the U.S. must create a formal system of selectively eliminating the constraints that dictate their response to certain situations or scenarios. Failure to make such changes will only increase paralysis and, when the use of force is required, contribute to the already heightened risks.

General

Imprint:	Potomac Books Inc
Country of origin:	United States
Series:	Issues in Twenty-First Century Warfare
Release date:	2003
First published:	2003
Authors:	Roger W. Barnett
Dimensions:	230 x 150 x 13mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	192
Edition:	1st ed
ISBN-13:	978-1-57488-563-7
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > International relations > General Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Defence strategy, planning & research > Military tactics
LSN:	1-57488-563-4
Barcode:	9781574885637

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