War as an Instrument of Policy examines the principles of war and how they may apply to the method of decision making in the higher realms of government when military and civilian leaders meet. It begins with an exploration of the emergence of a new kind of limited war beginning with the Vietnam conflict and discusses the principles of war along with typical military theory and strategy to clearly provide an understanding of the thought processes and actions behind the conducting of a war. Two contemporary examples, the Gulf War in 1990 and the South African invasion of Angola in 1987, provide the opportunity to examine the process of military decision-making on every level in these conflicts. Finally, methods of successfully and carefully employing a military methodology of decision making to capitalize on the success of war are suggested.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Conceptual Clarification
- War as an Instrument of Policy
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the principles of war and how they apply to decision-making processes in high-level government, specifically when military and civilian leaders collaborate. It analyzes the evolution of a new type of limited war, starting with the Vietnam conflict, and examines the decision-making process in contemporary conflicts, utilizing the Gulf War and the South African invasion of Angola as examples.
- The evolution of limited warfare
- The principles of war and their application in contemporary conflict
- The role of military decision-making in achieving political objectives
- The relationship between policy and war
- The limitations and complexities of using war as a tool of policy
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the discussion by defining war as a continuation of policy and exploring the historical and philosophical perspectives on the relationship between war and policy. It examines the arguments of key thinkers such as Clausewitz and Aron, highlighting the complex and often intertwined nature of war and policy.
- Conceptual Clarification: This chapter provides a detailed examination of the concept of war, drawing from various historical and theoretical perspectives. It explores different definitions of war, including those offered by Sorel, Von Clausewitz, Johnson, and Bernard, highlighting the evolution of the concept and its multifaceted nature. It also defines policy as a deliberate system of principles for achieving rational outcomes.
- War as an Instrument of Policy: This chapter delves into the central theme of the text, exploring the idea of war as a tool for achieving political objectives. It examines Clausewitz's concept of war's subordination to policy, analyzing the complexities of using military force as a means to achieve a higher political end. The chapter discusses the rational utility of war, emphasizing the need for policy to understand the capabilities and limits of military force.
Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of this text include war, policy, military strategy, limited war, decision-making, Vietnam conflict, Gulf War, South African invasion of Angola, Clausewitz, political objectives, rational utility, and subordination of military to civilian control.
- Quote paper
- Gabriel Siunu (Author), 2021, War as an Instrument of Policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1039597
