Transatlantic Force Protection, What is the Best Solution: U.S., NATO, EU or a Coalition

摘要

When the international community considers initiating a crisis response operation there are numerous factors to consider in the decision making process. These factors vary from military to the information diplomatic legal intelligence finance and economic elements of national power. Assuming that an intervention by military means is part of the solution and assuming that a Western type projection force originating in the transatlantic region is the best alterative there are several options for generating this force: a rapid deployable U.S. force the NATO Response Force (or elements of it) one or more of the EU Battlegroups or a tailor made Coalition Force. This research paper addresses the different Western force alternatives in relation to national elements of power. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the different alternatives for Western force projection it compares the different alternatives with the relevant elements of national power involved in the decision making process it focuses on the question of which of the elements of national power are decisive in the decision making process and it concludes with a recommendation for the best solution for Western force projection.