Commitment of Force: Employing Force as an Instrument of Power

Abstract

Abstract : This research project examines the effective commitment of military force as an instrument of power to achieve national security objectives and pursue the national interests. The United States Government needs to establish definitive principles to evaluate and ensure the proper use of military force as part of its foreign policy. The purpose is to provide a defined doctrine that provides a cogent framework in which United States policy makers can judiciously use force in pursuit of national interests, and in a manner that preserves national security, maintains international order, and promotes United States credibility. Based on the current international environment and variety of threats facing the nation, this paper offers a doctrine to complement the National Security Strategy and establish a clear rationale for the employment of force as an instrument of national policy. It recommends a set of principles to help guide the use of force and not merely restrict it; it establishes criteria to assist policy makers in the decision on when to use military force in order to protect United States interests and achieve national security objectives.