America's Asymmetric Advantage: The Utility of Airpower in the New Strategic Environment

In: Defence studies, Band 4, Heft 1, S. 87-113

Abstract

Airpower's technology often makes it the politically easy instrument of choice in international relations. Since the end of the Cold War, America's conflicts have been 'wars of choice,' emphasizing concerns over friendly casualties, non-combatant suffering, & coalition cohesion over military effectiveness. Even in the war on terrorism, these matters constrain US military operations. Advances in Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR), stealth, & Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs) appear to require less commitment than land combat. The reality, however, is that airpower is most effective when operating in a joint environment, with a clear political purpose. Further, while making war more humane, airpower cannot lessen the horrors of war. Adapted from the source document.