Clausewitz and Counterterrorism: The Relevance of His Theory to Policy Options and Force Doctrine in Dealing With Terrorist Acts.

摘要

With the passing of the Cold War and superpower confrontation. the United States has become challenged anew by widespread low-level violence and conflict. Of the types of conflict in this category, none is perhaps more vexing and frightening than international terrorism. Because of its furtive and random nature, international terrorism presents the US with unique problems in the use of force as a tool of policy. Chef among these is how to sort out anger and revulsion from cool-headed response when dealing with terrorist acts On the one hand, traditional means of diplomacy may be difficult to employ against an enemy who prefers not to be seen, on the other, sophisticated weapons systems and the doctrines of force extant in the US armed forces may be of limited effectiveness against terrorism in general, even if public opinion demands a show of American power Karl von Clausewitz wrote in the 19th century when international terrorist acts were few (there were occasional assassinations of political leaders) However, incorporated into his theory on war are principles that should guide selection of sensible policy options to deal with terrorism and help us choose a course that restrains our collective anger while choosing tools appropriate to the threat. His theory suggests a framework for integrating the political, diplomatic and military means at our disposal in varying measure to address terrorist acts, and specifically how to begin developing a doctrine on use of force in responding to such acts.