| Description |
1 online resource (x, 297 pages) |
| Contents |
Leveraging the adversary's forces: the wars in Vietnam and Iraq -- Leveraging the adversary's support base: states, populations, and societies -- Leveraging the adversary's leaders: the balance of resolve and US exhaustion -- Leveraging host governments: the challenges of institution-building -- Conclusions: Vietnam and Iraq, Afghanistan, and the future |
| Summary |
"While many have made superficial comparisons between the Iraq and Vietnam wars, Lebovic takes this task more seriously than most. His analysis yields important lessons by placing both wars in a more comprehensive context."--Christopher F. Gelpi, Duke University |
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Political scientist James H. Lebovic establishes that the size, stregth, flexibility, and adaptability of the U.S. military cannot ensure victory in asymmetrical conflicts |
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In The Limits of U.S. Military Capability, Lebovic shows how political and psychological factors trumped U.S. military superiority in Vietnam and Iraq, where inappropriate strategies, low stakes, and unrealistic goals mired the United States military in protracted, no-win conflicts |
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Lebovic contends that the United States is at a particular disadvantage when fighting a counterinsurgency without the full support of the host government; when leveraging various third parties (the adversary's foreign allies, societal leaders, and Indigenous populations); when attempting to build coalitions and nations while involved in combat; and when sustaining government and public support at home when costs rise and benefits decline |
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Lebovic cautions against involving the U.S. military in operations without first considering U.S. stakes and suggests that the military take a less-is-more approach when choosing to employ force. Ambitious goals bring higher costs, unexpected results, diminished options, and a greater risk of failure |
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Rejecting the heavy-handed approach that is typical of most comparisons between the Vietnam and Iraq wars, The Limits of U.S. Military Capability carefully assesses evidence to develop lessons applicable to other conflicts--especially the ongoing war in Afghanistan. --Book Jacket |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
English |
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Print version record |
| Subject |
United States. Armed Forces -- Combat sustainability
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| SUBJECT |
Armed Forces (United States) fast |
| Subject |
Asymmetric warfare -- Case studies
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Military planning -- United States -- Case studies
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Military readiness -- Case studies
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Iraq War, 2003-2011.
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975.
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Vietnam Conflict
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Armed Forces -- Operational readiness
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Asymmetric warfare
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Combat sustainability (Military science)
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Military planning
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Military policy
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Military readiness
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Vietnam war.
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Gulf War (2003)
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Military policy.
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Warfare.
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Limitation.
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| SUBJECT |
United States -- Armed Forces -- Operational readiness.
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85139864
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United States -- Military policy.
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85140379
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| Subject |
Iraq
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United States
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United States.
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| Genre/Form |
Case studies
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| LC no. |
2009033017 |
| ISBN |
9780801897504 |
|
0801897505 |
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