The Logic of Force - by Christopher Gacek (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This study examines the disparities between the two dominant American political-military approaches to the use of force as an instrument of foreign policy. The first approach argues that if force is employed, it should be used at whatever level necessary to achieve decisive military objectives. The second approach argues that certain limits to the use of force may be necessary and acceptable. Case studies illustrate how the basic disagreements between the two approaches influence policy-making and military decisions. Included in the text is discussion of Vietnam, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia and the former Yugoslavia.

From the Back Cover

The Logic of Force examines the postwar tension between two powerful analytical approaches to the use of force. The first approach makes an all-or-nothing argument to the effect that if force is to be used it should be employed at whatever level is necessary to decisively achieve the nation's political and military objectives. The second, or limited war approach, posits that political objectives often require that limits be placed on the use of force, a perfectly acceptable state of affairs to its adherents.