Between War: A Competitive Global Framework Examining Reconstitution and National Power.

摘要

The Cold War is ended; now, we are between war. Fundamentally, this paper addresses the question of what should we do between wars . Reconstitution is a 'hedge' in our strategy to reduce standing military forces in this peaceful interim. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine reconstitution in the context of national power and provide a basis for political-military-economic, and psycho-social actions as we contract and restructure forces. Military power provides short-term security, economic strength provides for the long term. Therefore, the paper also explores how to build national power between wars. A flow model of national power is developed and a framework for international competition is presented as the new paradigm to replace the Cold War bipolar mindset. A combined co-operative/hobbling external strategy plus defense fusion internal strategy to preserve our unchallenged military superiority is defined. Hobbling rivals can be achieved by seeking peaceful, supporting goals-not just predatory tactics. Making the UN work and offering US leadership in regional issues can reduce the threat levels other nations perceive and thus, their need to build national military forces. The cost-constrained strategy focuses on maintaining relative advantage against peer competitors and recommends: Selectively downsizing our military but retaining decisive capabilities; Encouraging collective action to reduce suspicions and discourage military buildups 'Hobbling' rivals' power projection capabilities and preempting foreign arms suppliers. Stressing economic power and building national wealth between wars, so we will have the economic/industrial base to prosecute the next war.