Monographs

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."

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."

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. . .?' "

Meeting the Challenges of Regional Security Honorable Leonard Sullivan Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "This sweeping analysis suggests that, in the future, regional security apparatuses (RSAs) will be needed to deal with problems which issue from specific socio-cultural and economic conditions rather than from ideology or the pursuit of traditional national interests by the superpowers. Mr. Sullivan maintains that the United States can use its advantage in technology as a part of its approach to meeting the many challenges posed by 'the new world disorder.' "

The Military-News Media Relationship: Thinking Forward Dr Rod Lyon, COL Charles W Ricks, Prof William T Tow Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "One of the realities of modern military operations has been that they are often subjected to intense scrutiny by the international news media. Under most circumstances, the deployment of U.S. forces attracts large numbers of print and broadcast journalists dedicated to providing their audiences with near real-time information of varying accuracy and completeness. This extraordinary availability of information may well affect the agenda of the executive and legislative branches of government and have important impacts on military decisionmakers in operational theaters."

Domestic Missions for the Armed Forces Senator Sam Nunn Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute "During the summer of 1992, Senator Sam Nunn, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, initiated legislation to enhance civilian and military cooperative efforts in meeting critical domestic needs. In a speech before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he called for a major reexamination of the roles and missions of the nation's Armed Forces to help solve these problems."