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Romania and The New Cold War Security Challenges
From the abstract: "The 'New Cold War' refers to a revival of the political and military unrest, magnified by the modern era domains such as informational, cyber and social media with deep economic repercussions. The continuous changes in the Eastern Europe have a great influence on the Romanian security environment, raising many challenges for the decision makers. This study tried to decipher this security paradigm, unfolding the Russian economic, political and military capabilities, analyzing the Russian objectives, methods and resources allocated to implement its strategies and describing the Kremlin foreign affairs policies, reveling, in the end, the challenges answered by the most recent Romanian National Security Strategy. Whatever history will decide to name it, this emerging 'New Cold War' will definitely affect the entire international community. Therefore, young and vulnerable democracies must acknowledge the fact they represent significant opportunities for the Russian leadership to create unrest and instability, challenging both the nation and the organization that is part of."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Oancea, Lucian
2017-06-09
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Covert Use of the Global Special Operations Network and the Militarization of Covert Action in Political Warfare and the Gray Zone
From the abstract: "The current state of world affairs is a complex and uncertain environment. Unlike during the Cold War, the world is not bi-polar, but unlike the last 16 years, counter-terrorism and the rise of non-state actors cannot be the sole focus of the U.S. security apparatus. The Gray Zone that face the U.S. government and its interests are as varied as they are numerous, however two major security challenges are the ongoing political warfare between the U.S. and its major state competitors and the GWOT [Global War on Terrorism]. These security challenges are taxing resources and capacity for operations. Considering this resource constrained strategic environment, should the U.S. Government use the Global SOF [Special Operations Forces] Network under USSOCOM [United States Special Operations Command] to conduct covert-like activities or would this be duplicative of the current capabilities and mandate of the CIA."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Nephew, Jeffrey M.
2017-06-09
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Effects of Growing Indian Military Potential on South Asian Stability
From the thesis abstract: "India is emerging as an economic powerhouse and its national power is on the rise. India's regional and global ambitions are also growing correspondingly. It is enhancing its military potential constantly to cater for its ambitions. India justifies this enhancement as being necessary to act as a counterweight to China. A detailed examination of the capabilities and strategy formulation points towards a Pakistan focused intent. South Asia is already unstable due to territorial disputes, terrorism, and political shifts. India's growing military potential-linked to its strategic thought-is likely to exacerbate the existing instability in South Asia caused by a multitude of political, ideological, and security factors."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Bajwa, Hashim Iqbal
2017-06-09
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Psychological Operations Changes That the Peruvian Army Should Implement During Counterinsurgency Operations Against the Informational Campaigns of Sendero Luminoso Political Branch Since 2000
From the abstract: "The Peruvian Government was involved against terrorist groups from 1980 to 2000. Currently, terrorist military actions have decreased. The Sendero Luminoso (SL) have changed their tactics and procedures, and nowadays SL provides security to the drug cartels. Nonetheless, the political branch of SL continues performing ideological and indoctrination activities in cities and towns. The research question is: what are the Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) changes that the Peruvian Army should implement during counterinsurgency operations against the informational campaigns of the SL political branch since 2000? This is a qualitative research to attempt to understand the doctrine, modalities, techniques, support activities, means and types of communication used by the SL insurgency and the Peruvian Army PSYOPS since 2000. The conclusions address that the Peruvian Army must reformulate its PSYOPS doctrinal framework in terms of Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF-P)."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Carpio, Luis Ricardo
2017-06-09
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U.S. Armored Brigade Combat Team versus Current Hybrid Threat: How Should the U.S. ABCT Be Organized and Equipped to Address the Current Hybrid Threat
"Recent conflicts and military operations in the world have shown that hybrid threat (HT) is increasingly common. U.S. combat forces can expect to encounter HTs throughout the entire range of military operations. In recent decades, the United States have prepared for and fought mainly in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, defeating opponents who did not have the sophisticated capabilities that a current HT would employ. That is why objectively assessing the readiness of the U.S. Army's ABCT [armored brigade combat team] to wage war against a hybrid adversary is important. The problem is insufficient assessment of the U.S. Army's ABCT organization and equipment in order to answer the question of whether the U.S. Army can successfully counter the HT or whether the U.S. Army still needs to learn more, adapt, and change. The research plan used is a qualitative approach that included analysis of available documents and studying the separate but similar cases of Israel fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 and Ukraine fighting pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Sobko, Serhii
2017-06-09
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Gyges Effect: An Ethical Critique of Lethal Remotely Piloted Aircraft
From the thesis abstract: "The U.S. Army pledges to defend the country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in a manner that upholds national values. One such way recent presidential administrations make good on their pledge to protect the American people is by authorizing military strikes using the Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA). If RPA do act as a political deposit on the sacred oath sworn by our leaders to protect and defend the constitution, does the policy likewise uphold the traditional norms associated with justice in war ('jus in bello')? In other words, does the U.S. Government violate 'jus in bello' in its use of RPA to conduct military strikes? To examine this question further, it is necessary to explore three broad areas. The first, and most substantial, is the moral basis for justifiable military action. The second area is legal precedence for RPA strikes. The final area deals in the consequences of such action within today's operational environment (OE) and the effects it has on the future of warfare. This thesis critiques the
morality, legality, and military ethics of the United States' RPA Policy."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Pride, Matthew D.
2017-06-09
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Online Radicalization: Bangladesh Perspective
From the thesis abstract: "The internet has significantly increased terrorists' reach, and person to person contact is no more essential to radicalize people. Some terrorist organizations in Bangladesh are also maneuvering in the cyber domain to spread their ideologies and radicalize people. To prevent radicalization through cyberspace, Bangladesh mostly implements hard powers such as removing contents and restricting access to the internet. However, freedom of speech and access to information are prime requirements for a prosperous and democratic society. Therefore, Bangladesh should develop an effective strategy to counter radicalization without impinging citizens' freedom of speech. The country, nonetheless, faces challenges due to lack of coordination among the counter-terrorism agencies, and lack of positive initiatives to grow enduring social resilience against radicalization. Bangladesh may harness benefits by adopting key elements of seemingly successful programs of other countries. It should also create a strategy for appealing positive messaging to foster inter-faith respect and communal harmony where counter-narratives will be embedded. Besides, developing ethics and responsibility of the Internet users will create a self-monitoring system in the cyber domain. Finally, constructive measures will enable Bangladesh to develop a sustainable counter radicalization mechanism without impinging citizens' democratic rights."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Rashid, Mohammad Istiaque
2017-06-09
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Shortcomings in Information Sharing Facilitates Transnational Organized Crime
From the thesis abstract: "This study asks what shortcoming exists hindering information sharing across the U.S. Government to combat transnational organized crime (TOC). A comprehensive review of national strategies, law, and scholarly works establish the immediate security and economic threat posed by criminal organizations worldwide. The confluent business models shared by terrorist and TOC organizations requires an equally unified effort to combat these threats. By employing a levels of analysis approach to disaggregate national level, organizational level and individual level factors, four gaps emerge to combat TOC. First, divergent strategies to combat terrorist and TOC organizations are revealed. Second, the current process for information sharing relies on gate keepers access to stove piped information. Third, the absence of a lead agency to combat TOC. Finally, bureaucratic boundaries to sharing information persist. To address these shortcomings, five recommendations are provided. First, a single national strategy clearly representing the convergence between terrorist and TOC organizations. Second, the Director of National Intelligence must have the authorities necessary to unify the intelligence community (IC). Third, reorganization of the IC is urgently needed. Fourth, designate the National Counter Terrorism Center as the lead agency to combat TOC. Finally, a directive to migrate all government networks to cloud technology."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Tucker, Daniel J.
2017-06-09
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Globalization vs. National Sovereignty
From the thesis abstract: "Does the continuing increase in globalization particularly in the areas of economic, technological, travel, immigration, and multiple citizenships decrease national sovereignty and
our ability to secure the homeland? This increase in globalization may cause unintended interdependencies. This thesis investigates the relationship between globalization, national sovereignty, and homeland security. If this increase continues without a balance will the government not be able to respond to an incident or will this impact the nation's willingness to unite to secure the homeland? Since the end of the Cold War (1991) the change of scale in international business exchange is unlike any other phase in history. Since the 1990s countries allowing or offering dual citizenship have also been increasing in number. This citizenship may cause confusion of allegiances to those that have more than one."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Petro, Cory J.
2017-06-09
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Utility of Army Design Methodology in U.S. Coast Guard Counter Narcotic Interdiction Strategy
"This study investigates the utility of using Army Design Methodology (ADM) to help frame U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) counternarcotic strategy. The USCG published the Western Hemisphere Strategy in 2014, outlining the strategic and operational framework for USCG operations in the Western Hemisphere, addressing a ten-year plan to combat networks, secure borders, and safeguard commerce. This study focuses on the following questions: has the Western Hemisphere Strategy been effective, so far, in combating networks and securing our borders; and is there utility in adding ADM as a tool in developing future USCG/whole of government counternarcotics operations strategy? This study uses an applied professional case study research approach as the basis, which takes into account personal experience in USCG operations in conjunction with relevant sources in order to persuade policy makers about the rich and deep context of a setting associated with complex human issues where the goal is to take informed action to improve the situation. Drug trafficking organization operations and USCG interdiction tactics are dynamic and humanly complex, with multiple key players, stakeholders, and influencers. Ultimately, this research and analysis goal, is to validate/non-validate USCG current tactics and provide key decision makers with additional, increased interdiction options . . . or maybe more importantly, provide a recommendation for a better approach in defining the problem."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
McWhite, John B.
2017-06-09
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Psychodynamic Systems Perspective on Command Relationship During Combat Operations
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this research thesis is to provide new insight to one of the Danish Army´s warfighting challenges pertaining to the breakdown of the command relationship between two levels of command in a military organization deployed in hostile environments. The thesis focuses on how subconscious processes influence the command relationship, and ultimately, how those processes contribute to the spectra of conflicts between the company level and battlegroup level To that end, this thesis utilizes three different theories within psychodynamic system theory to analyzing interviews and questionnaires to identify perceived problem areas within the subconscious domain and their effects on the command relationship. The analysis of the empirical data has given an understanding of how subconscious processes influence command relations and as shown how the leadership roles of boundary regulation, problem solving and pathological process have influenced the command relationship in a variety of ways. It has also shown how splitting and projection have led to conflicts and subsequent breakdown of the command relationship. Overall this thesis has unmistakably shown that subconscious processes do play a role in the breakdown of command relationship, and thus have provided new insight to one the Danish Army´s warfighting challenges."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Hejlesen, Dennis W.
2017-06-09
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Enhancing the Army Operations Process Through the Incorportation of Holography
From the thesis abstract: "In order to dominate our opponents on the battlefield, the Army must have an agnostic technology that can quickly grow. Mission command information systems must be able to extend across multiple environments regardless of a commonality in hardware. The human dimension must be met at each domain (human, land, maritime, air, space, cyber)by an information system that augments the process. The focus needs to be on data delivery at the process in need over an approved secure based hardware. Holography is the future of mission command for the commanders, staff and soldiers allowing a distributed environment for all operations. Cognitive load is greatly reduced allowing for commanders, staff and soldiers to focus on the process and not on a computer screen. The process is no longer split between trying to take data and mentally overlaying it onto the process. Data now augments reality and is a noninvasive process to decision making."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Burns, Samuel M.
2017-06-09
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From Serpent to CEO: Improving First-Term Security Forces Airman Performance Through Neuroscience Education
From the thesis abstract: "United States Air Force Security Forces relies heavily on young adults and their ability to apply judgment while under threat. Security Forces assumes inherently greater risks than its civilian counterparts; it relies on a core population of young adults between 17 and 25 years old as primary first-contact sentries, patrolmen, and combat operators. Current research indicates the human brain requires at least 26 years to reach full maturation. The implementation of Defender's Edge, a mental health performance program specifically designed for Air Force Security Forces personnel, is significant to introducing neuroscience concepts into operations to mitigate resultant risks. However, a deeper understanding of neuroanatomical and physiological considerations affecting young adults would improve reflexive performance in judgment-dependent situations. Neuroscience education offers novel enhancements to training, operations, and Defender's Edge to reduce risk and increase cognitive performance abilities in young adults."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Cheatham, Michael L.
2017-06-09
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Operational-Level Information Sharing Between the U.S. Navy and Southeast Asia Maritime Institutions
"This thesis investigates the institutional barriers to operational-level information exchange between the U.S. Navy and its ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] counterparts. The study emerged from a stated U.S. Department of Defense objective to facilitate maritime security in the South China Sea through regional maritime domain awareness and partner interoperability. A chief obstacle to this objective is the information sharing behavior of regional maritime institutions. The principal research mechanism is a case study of U.S.-ASEAN information sharing during the 2014 multinational search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Using theoretical propositions derived from relevant literature, the study explores the influence of five institutional factors--culture, policy, technology, relationships, and structure--on information sharing during the search. The case study demonstrated that each factor inhibited effective information exchange to varying degrees. The study also showed that the relative health of strategic-level relationships between stakeholders governed the operational-level behavior of most of these factors during the search. Based on the case findings, this thesis recommends two lines of effort to improve regional information sharing. The first effort focuses on improving strategic-level relationships; the second focuses on development of a U.S.-ASEAN centralized command and control hub."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Haertel, David
2017-06
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Jamaican Maritime Security: What Are the Capability Gaps That Limit the Jamaica Defence Force in the Execution of Its Roles in Maritime Security?
From the thesis abstract: "Jamaica's geostrategic location makes it attractive to transnational organized criminals involved in the illicit narcotics trade. Jamaica's maritime domain is approximately 240,000 square kilometers, and presents a significant challenge to maritime security. The overall security of Jamaica is threatened by its murder rate, which is one of the highest rates per capita worldwide. Over 70 percent of these murders are committed with guns, and are often linked to the transnational narcotics and guns trade. Since Jamaica does not manufacture guns, addressing this problem must involve the security of the country's porous borders. The research found that the main capability gaps that limit the JDF [Jamaican Defense Force] in the execution of its roles in maritime security are persistent maritime awareness and maritime presence. Mature technologies such as coastal radar and unmanned aerial vehicles are recommended as a possible part of the broad solution to address the capability gaps. However, further research is recommended to develop the specific materiel solution."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Creary, Dameon I.
2017-06
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Philippine Navy's Strategic Sail Plan 2020: A Strong and Credible Force by 2020?
From the thesis abstract: "The Philippine Navy (PN) has been trying to implement a Strategic Sail Plan 2020. The Strategic Sail Plan 2020 vision states that the PN will be a strong and credible Navy that the Philippines nation can be proud of by 2020. Its task is daunting. The PN is burdened with obsolescent equipment without a budget for replacements or modernization. The aspects that the PN has more control over: training, education, organization, doctrine, personnel, and good governance are emphasized in its Strategic Sail Plan Strategy Map as the way forward to achieving its mission. This study will review the efforts by the PN and analyze them under a framework of ends, ways, and means and analyze the means through the doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities domains. It argues that the PN envisioned in the Strategic Sail Plan 2020 is not feasible while there are alternative, more affordable options that would meet the island nation's needs."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Luna, Thomas D.
2017-06
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Assessing the Role of Surgical Strike Operations in Support of a Special Warfare Campaign
From the thesis abstract: "In 2013, United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) published 'ARSOF 2022' which defined the two primary capabilities of US Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) as special warfare and surgical strike. Much has been studied about these capabilities independently, this work examines their interdependent nature during a special warfare campaign. During recent special warfare operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, these two capabilities have been employed with the intention being complementary. However, the methods and details of employment have varied from campaign to campaign. This work analyzes four operational-level special warfare campaigns during OEF [Operation Enduring Freedom] and OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom] to identify effective techniques and principles that can be applied when utilizing surgical strike capabilities in support of a special warfare mission, thereby increasing the special operations capability of the US. Finally, based on the findings presented in this research, the author provides recommendations on how to best enable US Special Operations Command and 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) to provide the necessary capability to meet current and future demands for surgical strike-supported special warfare campaigns."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Broom, Owen M.
2017-06
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Contribution of Security Forces Personnel to Deter Migration and Improve Stability in West Africa
From the thesis abstract: "Bordered on the north by the Sahara Desert and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa has sixteen countries and 365 million inhabitants. This region has experienced a migration phenomenon since the period of the great empires. While this is not a major issue, for the past two decades, the rise of rebel groups, the difficult economic situation, and the spread of diseases triggered a new mindset. Although most researchers targeted politic and economic reforms as a mean to mitigate the problem, this thesis posits that security forces can play key role. This research is based on the assumption that by enforcing border control and participating in economic development, security personnel can reduce migration. In view of the above, the study analyzes the capability of the Economic Community of West African States Standby Force to reduce migration, and makes a comparative case study of Mali and U.S. migration policies."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Kambre, Palababade
2017-06
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Air Campaign vs. Ballistic Missiles: Seeking the Strategic Win in the 21st Century
From the thesis abstract: "Most literature concerning the use of surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) is focused on counter-proliferation. The authors are concerned with the emerging missile capabilities of rogue state missile arsenals. They fear that increasing ranges and accuracy will eventually threaten the US homeland. This concern is certainly warranted, but largely misses another potential consequence of enlarging SSM arsenals around the world: the threat of derailing 21st century strategic air campaigns. This thesis explores two case studies. First it explores the Allied response to Adolf Hitler's V-weapons campaign, Operation Crossbow. It then it examines the US-led coalition's response to Saddam Hussein's Scud missile campaign, the Great Scud Chase. The cases show that while both Germany and Iraq's missile campaigns failed to win their wars for them, the campaigns did cause a significant diversion to their enemies' strategic air campaigns. Both cases also explore how the Allies and the US-led coalition were able to simultaneously accomplish their original strategic air campaigns along with their politically mandated counter-SSM campaigns. A cross-case comparison then condenses the cases' findings into two products. The first product is labeled 'The Dictator's Handbook for SSM Use' whose purpose is to educate US theater planners on the possible ways that SSMs can be used to disrupt their air campaign plans. The second product is a summary of 'best practices' that collects lessons learned from the counter-SSM efforts for use by both theater air planners and procurement strategists. The paper concludes by applying the 'best practices' to a potential future conflict with China to highlight potential existing vulnerabilities in current theater air plans and air-platform acquisition plans."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Anderson, J. Patrick
2017-06
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Indispensable Nation: U.S. Security Guarantees and Nuclear Proliferation
From the thesis abstract: "This essay explores the connection between security guarantees and nuclear proliferation by allies of great powers. I propose a model to explain why U.S. allies pursue nuclear proliferation. I assert that this movement toward nuclear weapons occurs when an ally perceives that the U.S. defense commitment has become insufficient for the threat environment. I test this model using a case study of South Korea's exploration of nuclear weapons in the 1970s. South Korea was facing a severe threat environment when US President Richard Nixon announced that US allies would need to take greater responsibility for their own security. In response, South Korea began to explore a nuclear weapons program. In this context, South Korea's leaders interpreted the United States' attempt at alliance burden-shifting as a sign of abandonment. This perception tilted the threat-commitment balance out of alignment and led to forward movement toward nuclear proliferation. From this case and model, I conclude that US allies take steps advancing nuclear weapons activity when their perception of their threat environment outweighs their perception of US security commitment. From this conclusion, I draw implications about the role of presidential rhetoric and military force posture in assure US allies and discouraging nuclear proliferation."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Brown, J. Wellington
2017-06
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Culture for Violence: The Strategic Impact of the Olmsted Scholar Program
From the thesis abstract: "In 1959, Major General George Olmsted (USA, ret) founded the Olmsted Scholar Program. Olmsted's goal was to create a cadre of warrior-statesmen who were equipped, through cultural immersion, with language and cultural skills and a uniquely broad perspective. As the underwriter of the current world order, the United States faces an engagement imperative, one which requires its military to engage with partners and adversaries alike. In view of this, the Thesis examines the strategic value of the Olmsted Scholar Program. Building on Stephen Rosen's theory of military innovation, the Thesis shows that the military service branches value Olmsted Scholars, though to varying degrees, for their language and cultural skills. Interviews with retired and active senior military officers reveal that participation in the Olmsted Scholar Program imbues Scholars not only with language and cultural skills, but also with valuable cognitive skills. Though several areas require further research, the Thesis finds that the Olmsted Scholar Program provides strategic value to the US military and the United States."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Walsh, Thomas A.
2017-06
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Strategic Communications: The State Department Versus the Islamic State
From the thesis abstract: "As the battle against the Islamic State unfolds on the battleground and in cyberspace, the U.S. government has declared its commitment to disrupt--and ultimately defeat--the terrorist group. The Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and ISIS, has become one of the most deadly and influential terrorist groups in the Middle East. Strategic communications cannot be underestimated. The unit tasked with countering the terrorist group's propaganda and recruitment efforts, the State Department's Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications (CSCC), has recently restructured to improve its efforts. This thesis examines the Center's mission, strategy, and communications to assess the efficacy of its efforts to counter the Islamic State terrorist group and degrade its ability to recruit foreign fighters. It analyzes the Islamic State and introduces the CSCC's successor, the Global Engagement Center. Finally, it offers research findings and provides recommendations for future consideration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
McFadden, Crystal L.
2017-06
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Quality Time: Temporal Constraints to Continual Process Development in the Air Force
From the thesis abstract: "This work implements a deductive system-dynamics methodology to analyze the application of quality management policies to an Air Force system. The work provides an alternate explanation to the existing body of literature on the failure of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Quality Air Force (QAF) programs. The modeling and simulation in this work indicated that the time between activities and the repeatability of activities heavily impact their probability of success. Quality programs are one side of a two-sided equation; they increase the efficiency of a system thus reducing rework and waste. Simultaneously, forces of entropy or chaos continually degrade the efficiency of that same system. The strength and speed with which quality management programs can increase efficiency are directly dependent upon three time constants: the time required for a person to gain competency with a task, the time required for a unit to generate new ideas, and the time required for new ideas to be implemented and evaluated. The work argues that the length of these three time periods is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition to successfully implement quality programs. The longer these periods, the more prone to failure quality programs become. As these three time constants get longer, the strength of quality programs against entropy decreases, and the more difficult the implementation of quality programs becomes. At some point, time constants become so long that it is impossible obtain quality from process; quality must be obtained through testing and correction of deficiencies. This work also indicates that there may be systemic issues associated with capturing experience inside Air Force units. This work assists commanders in determining if the time constants of their units are amenable to quality programs."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
LaTour, Paul A.
2017-06
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Economy of Force: Continuous Process Improvement and the Air Service
From the thesis abstract: "Air Force senior leaders attempted to implement an array of process-improvement models throughout AF [Air Force] existence Management By Objectives, Total Quality Management (TQM), Quality Air Force (QAF), Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, and Continuous Process Improvement to harmonize efficiency and effectiveness in support of mission accomplishment. Much like a metaphorical dippy bird that overcomes inertia through spirited leadership, it tips, secures a drink, and the vigor that generated initial action wanes; thereafter, the dippy bird regresses toward its initial position. TQM was molded into QAF."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Herman, Ryan L.
2017-06
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Nuclear Symbolism and Ritual: Upholding the National Myth: A Study of Indian and Pakistani Nuclear Proliferation
From the thesis abstract: "This study suggests studying nuclear proliferation as an outcome of national myth. It begins by examining the theoretical role of myth in general and then specifically political myths. Ultimately, it describes myth as a conceptual entity that provides meaning and context to objective facts. Through the use of symbolism and ritual, ideas becomes reality. This study focuses on how national myth influences nuclear posture. It claims nations resist pressures from changes in environment to protect national myth by insuring the ritual and symbol remain congruent with the myth. The study examines this phenomenon by looking at the fifty-year history of India and Pakistan's path to full nuclear weaponization, ultimately concluding that analyzing a nation's nuclear proliferation as symbol and ritual provides insights that other reductionist theories cannot. Finally it suggests the study of nuclear symbolism and ritual of future nuclear proliferators, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, will prove useful for U.S. policy makers and their anti-proliferation agenda."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Yelnicker, Mary C.
2017-06-01
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Relevance of Borders in the 21st Century
From the thesis abstract: "This study assesses the relevance of borders in the 21st century. The author analyses the different approaches of the concept of border throughout history and cultures. Borders occupy different functions with respect to rulers, people and territories. The reality of borders stretches from 'border-line,' to 'border-area,' and to 'frontier,' as no universal definition exists. The sociological study demonstrates the importance of cross border integration in the shaping of borders. By contrast, the modern state and the bordering process have introduced a global set of norms of delineation. Official borders are relative to a specific domain, and do not ensure a definitive consistent norm with respect to population and global trends. Globalization and the main disequilibrium of the 21st century have challenged the normative definition of the 'border-line.' The traditional lines of division have disappeared, and the changing level of openness of borders has become the criteria of analysis. The world oscillates between a borderless and a gated approach. This study concludes the need to redefine a less normative approach of borders with respect to people and local context."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Rigg, Mathieu
2017-06
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Transparency, Accountability and Engagement: A Recipe for Building Trust in Policing
"Police departments across the nation are challenged to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and, with diminished resources, face the increased threats to homeland security. Many have struggled to find the right balance between keeping communities safe, while at the same time having transparent and effective counterterrorism strategies. This thesis examines the role race plays in policing and the criminal justice system. A comparative analysis was conducted of the New York Police Department's [NYPD] community policing and counterterrorism strategies and that of the United Kingdom's counterpart, the Metropolitan Police Service. The research focuses on how important police legitimacy and transparency are to gaining the trust of the community at large. It also examines how technology and social media can assist in building trust and enhancing accountability. The research concludes with four recommendations, which, if implemented, will move the NYPD toward a more balanced counterterrorism strategy that actively engages with the community it serves."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Reilly, Kathleen M.
2017-06
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Problem-Solving in Homeland Security and Creating Policy Conditions for Enhanced Civic Engagement: An Examination of Crowdsourcing Models
"This thesis examines crowdsourcing experiments and engagement models, the leveraging of technology in these pursuits, and their potential utility for solving problems in the homeland security enterprise. Rather than identifying a gap or seeking to fix something that is 'broken,' the research evaluates the potential benefits of employing crowdsourcing models in homeland security and its related disciplines. It uses appreciative inquiry to evaluate how existing successful models might open new pathways between government and citizens for the generation of knowledge, the exchange of information, or for innovation in approaches to problem solving. This thesis advances the hypothesis that, within the body of crowdsourcing and engagement models, a combination of ideas, examples, approaches, and successes exists that demonstrates potential utility for the homeland security field. The research findings exhibited this potential, manifesting in new partnerships and the creation of new knowledge. Participants, aided only by personal technology, self-organized some initiatives; in other cases, participants simply needed a platform to enable their motivation to contribute. These platforms for engagement and pathways to them were a consistent part of the narrative across the literature. Contributions by the non-professional was also a consistent theme, as was a need for a balanced approach that provides a safe framework within which to operate."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bisogno, Raymond
2017-06
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Military Suicide: Developing an Understanding of Basic Issues to Provide a Lower Risk Force
From the thesis abstract: "The US military has historically experienced a much lower suicide rate compared to the general US population. In the last decade, the suicide rate for military personnel exceeded that of the general population; additionally, the suicide rate for military personnel more than doubled. This dramatic increase in suicide rates for the military gained significant public attention and the military then focused on preventing suicides for currently serving service members. [...] Both the general and military decedent populations present specific trends in behavior and demographics that lead to suicidal behaviors. The common issue affecting both populations is that the young adult age groups are the most affected by suicide. This suggests that a significant proportion of new service members enter service possessing the characteristics that will lead to suicidal behavior. These findings imply that the current suicide prevention programs may not fully address the underlying mental health issues associated with the young adult population. As a result, the services may be inadvertently recruiting service members with increased risk. The military services have a history of conducting psychological screening in times of conflict, and have developed additional testing aids that may assist in efforts to provide a more resilient force. Unfortunately, the military services currently do not place significant effort on reducing the population with highest suicidal behavioral risk at the point of accession for service. Efforts to identify and reduce these specific subpopulations will both reduce the military suicide rates and enable military medical resources to focus better on the currently serving population to enhance suicide prevention and intervention efforts."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Remoy, Eric M.
2017-05-25
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Establishing Ripe Moments for Negotiated Settlement in Counterinsurgency: An Example from Colombia
From the thesis abstract: "Negotiating with insurgents to end a counterinsurgency (COIN) conflict is an undervalued and largely unaddressed topic in US Army COIN doctrine. Historically speaking, however, insurgencies end in negotiated settlements more than any other form of war termination. In fact, the current US strategy to end the war in Afghanistan is to seek a negotiated political settlement with the Taliban. Given these realities, US Army leaders and planners must have a better understanding of the military and government roles in successful strategic negotiations with insurgent groups. This monograph addresses how current US Army COIN doctrine does not adequately address how to establish ripe moments for successful negotiated settlements in COIN conflicts. The paper is divided into four sections beginning with an overview of what current US Army COIN doctrine says about negotiations and negotiated settlements. The second section presents ripeness theory as a framework to consider the conditions that are necessary for negotiations to occur. The third section includes the case study of Colombia's three negotiations conducted with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) between 1982 and 2016. The conclusion section will discuss the implications for US Army COIN doctrine."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Rickmeyer, Paul F.
2017-05-25
