Mosquito and the Colossus: Operation Just Cause through the Eyes of General Manuel Antonio Noriega; Monograph

摘要

This study argues that the world's complexity beckons for an understanding achievable only through the study of the local interpretation of historical events. As a result, it is vital to have General Noriega's view of Operation Just Cause in order to balance the historical narrative and provide the unique and necessary insights that only General Noriega can provide. This consideration results in a multi-dimensional view that allows one to understand the cultural leadership traits, such as Bonapartism, present in Panama and the challenges semi-authoritarian regimes pose to the US. The result is an increase in the power of explanation, a complete and fair historical record that can truly provide profound understanding of a complex system, and enables the US military to develop lessons learned that it can carry into future operational environments. As such, General Noriega's interpretation of Operation Just Cause is a useful study in examining its contributions to the political landscape and the political culture that makes up semi-authoritarian regimes not just in Latin America but also others throughout the world.