Hybrid Power: Mobility Air Forces and Foreign Policy

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph introduces a method of better capturing the interaction of hard and Hybrid Power. Hybrid power captures the essence of simultaneity as hard and soft power is exerted by a single element to create the desired foreign policy effects. The term hybrid power also eliminates the politically charged and divisive term, smart power. The basis of the research question for this monograph is to analyze the potential for military forces, Mobility Air Forces (MAF) in particular, to contribute to foreign policy in other than hard power methods. This monograph asks: what contribution, if any, does the USAF's Mobility Air Forces have in the execution of smart power in United States foreign policy? The hypothesis of this monograph is that the military, particularly MAF, can contribute both positively and negatively to the hard and soft power elements of foreign policy. This hypothesis also challenges CSIS' categorization of separate but complementary soft and hard power as smart power and asks if there is a better way to approach those activities to further United States policy.