Suasion Through Military Presence: An Analysis of the Role of Presence in U.S.-Libyan Relations, l977-1995

摘要

This thesis examines military presence as an effective means of influencingconflict management/resolution in contemporary mid level conflicts. Advocated in the National Security Strategy, presence, a concept with a long naval history, has taken on a new context. The National Military Strategy states that 'overseas presence forces,. . . promote stability and prevent conflict.' Although embraced in strategy, presence as a joint concept is difficult to describe in doctrine. Perception driven, its cause and effect relationships are often intangible. The thesis draws on the author's experience with and critique of presence applications in Haiti (OPERATION SUPPORT/UPHOLD DEMOCRACY). A historical overview culminating in an assessment of current doctrine traces the development of presence as a strategic concept. U.S.-Libyan relations provide the case study for analysis of presence and its policy ramifications. Successful presence provides suasion. Simple historical perspective infers presence is a viable form of influence; however, effective application requires doctrine beyond the axiom: 'Diplomacy that cannot be backed by force is limited.' This thesis concludes that to achieve suasion joint presence has two fundamental requirements: an enabling doctrine of phased presence operations and integration into a long-term synergistic security strategy balancing and coordinating all instruments of national power.