Monographs

The Revolution in Military Affairs: A Framework for Defense Planning Dr Michael J Mazarr Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "The author of this monograph, Dr. Michael J. Mazarr, argues that the current revolution in military affairs is part of a larger sociopolitical transformation. The new technologies both propelling and resulting from this transformation are having a profound impact on warfare. Dr. Mazarr urges military and civilian strategists, planners, and decisionmakers to think about armed conflict in ways so novel that those used to dealing with "the unchanging truths about war" may feel threatened. To help deal with the ambiguities and complexities presented by the RMA, Dr. Mazarr offers a framework of four principles for defense planning."

War in the Information Age COL James M Dubik, Gen Gordon R Sullivan Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "We are beginning to realize the emergence of a new age--the information age. On the one hand, the full dimensions of this new age, if indeed it is such, are unknown. On the other hand, the authors argue that enough is known to conclude that the conduct of war in the future will be profoundly different. Paradoxically, however, they claim that the nature of war will remain basically the same. In this monograph, General Sullivan and Colonel Dubik examine that paradox and draw some inferences from it."

Nuclear Threats from Small States Mr Jerome H Kahan Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "For decades, the United States has pursued nuclear nonproliferation as an important national security goal. At times, this objective was masked or even compromised by the overarching needs of managing the U.S.-Soviet nuclear balance and maintaining the Western Alliance. As the cold war faded, the problem of proliferation assumed an ever more prominent place in U.S. national security strategy."

Japan's Self-Defense Forces: What Dangers to Northeast Asia? Dr Thomas L Wilborn Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "This study examines Japan as a potential military power in the Asia-Pacific region, and tests the view held by many in the region that Japan could unleash its military and threaten the security of its neighbors. The conclusion is that Japan is not now and is not likely to become a military threat to East Asia, or anywhere else. In the first place, U.S. policy is to remain engaged, and retain a military presence, in the region. Most Asian observers agree that the U.S.-Japan alliance is a guarantor of a peaceful Japan; they worry about Japan because they mistakenly believe that America will "withdraw," and the alliance will lose its meaning."

The Owl of Minerva Flies at Twilight: Doctrinal Change and Continuity and the Revolution in Military Affairs Dr David Jablonsky Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "In the wake of the Gulf War, there has been increased interest in what the Soviets once called the Military Technological Revolution (MTR) and what is now considered more broadly as a Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). In the strict military sense, that revolution has to do with quantum changes in areas ranging from information technologies to those dealing with precision strike weaponry. These changes, in turn, will require more adjustments in military doctrine and organization."

National Interest: From Abstraction to Strategy Dr Michael G Roskin Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "The "national interest" is a composite declaration derived from those values that a nation prizes most–liberty, freedom, security. Interests are usually expressed in terms of physical survival, economic prosperity, and political sovereignty. The list invariably expands, and is ultimately shaped by subjective preferences and political debate. As an object of political debate, the concept of national interest serves to propose, justify, or denounce policies."

Shari'a Law, Cult Violence and System Change in Egypt: The Dilemma Facing President Mubarak Dr Stephen C Pelletiere Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "Egypt is one of the more economically deprived countries in the world. Societal stress is a major challenge. Few believe that Egypt will escape the poverty that has for so long oppressed it. For all its challenges, Egypt is of strategic importance to the United States, because of its leadership position in the Arab world. It would be extremely difficult for Washington to safeguard its interests in the Middle East without support from Cairo."

Environmental Security: A DoD Partnership for Peace Dr Kent Hughes Butts Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "International environmental issues can lead to instability and conflict that threaten U.S. security interests and may result in the commitment of U.S. forces. Chronic, unresolved environmental issues threaten stability in such critical regions as the former Soviet Union, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Recognizing this, the Department of Defense (DOD) has committed itself to using DOD assets to mitigate environmental issues that could lead to instability. However, a strategy to implement this proactive policy has not been developed."

Can Europe Survive Maastricht? Dr Douglas Stuart Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "With the end of the cold war, virtually all of the institutions and assumptions associated with that era have come under scrutiny except the West European experiment in regional integration. Left unanswered, or even seriously discussed, when the Berlin Wall came down, were two questions raised by Alastair Buchan in 1974: 'If West European union was a product of the cold war, will the one survive the demise of the other?' and 'What role should the European Community play on a wider stage. . .?' "