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How Islamism Imperils the Western Liberal Order
From the thesis abstract: "Islamism is a modern convention. The Islamist movement threatens the modern liberal order because Islamism compels the modern liberal order to resort to naked force or abject surrender. Addressing the threat of Islamism requires a moderate approach, which upon recognizing the limitations of man, rejects a mechanistic foreign policy and relies upon an organic approach. [...] Islamism has been growing and working its way into Muslim societies for a hundred years; Liberal [sic] nations will not easily uproot or eradicate Islamist ideology. A pragmatic approach to the conflict in worldviews that does not abandon liberal principle, but shapes what the environment offers will yield the truest result in the liberal conflict with Islamism."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Beeker, Kevin
2017-02-13
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Proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the Threat to the United States
From the thesis abstract: "The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is both a benefit and treat to the security of the United States. The use of UAVs by terrorist poses a serious threat to the American public if left unaddressed. By comparing the capabilities provided by UAV and our current security measures, it is easy to see the gaping holes in our current protection. These gaping holes in our security coupled with the terrorist predisposition to use aerial assets as a primary method to conduct terrorist attacks highlight the urgency of the threat. Identifying and understanding the threat is just the first part of the problem. The challenge is combating this emerging threat. The rapid proliferation in the public and private sector makes identifying, tracking and disabling UAVs used for terrorist activities extremely difficult. The solution will require a comprehensive approach comprising public education, UAV marking, tracking of key components and changes in current security measures. Only by acknowledging the threat and implementing significant changes can we hope to avoid another aerial attack on American soil."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Lionberger, David C.
2017-02-10
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Modern Salafi Warrior: Inviting and Striving Towards a Nostalgic Future
From the Thesis Abstract: "This paper addresses the modern Salafist warrior with an emphasis on identifying and understanding the wellspring of ideological inspiration informing subsequent actions. This project is concerned with lens construction enabling further analysis and charts the development of Islamic jurisprudence from its inception on the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula through the establishment of Sunni Islam's four orthodox legal schools. From there it places shari'ah reasoning in context and extracts an Islamic just war theory. The lens is further refined and focused through a discussion of key battles in the Qur'an. The suitability of the lens is tested against three well-known and authoritative Salafist publications. The purpose is to provide an analytical tool enabling further study. Additional Salafist sources are offered for supplementary analytical iterations using, or adjusting, the constructed lens."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Euhus, Brandon Thomas
2017-02-10
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Learning to Mow Grass: IDF Adaptations to Hybrid Threats
From the thesis abstract: "From the Army Operating Concept to ADP 3-0, the US Army expects to fight hybrid threats in the current operating environment. Hybrid threats combine the characteristics of irregular forces with improved conventional capabilities. This monograph examines the adaptations of the Israel Defense Force [IDF] against hybrid threats to draw relevant operational lessons for military planners. It links the nature of the hybrid threat, Israeli adaptations, and the adaptations' effects on Israeli operational art against the hybrid threat in three case studies spanning the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Operation Cast Lead in 2008, and Operation Protective Edge in 2014. The monograph observed Israeli adaptations in the three areas of materiel, doctrine, and training for comprehensiveness. After meeting a hybrid threat on the battlefield in 2006, the Israel Defense Force invested in equipment like the Merkava IV tank, Trophy active protection system, and Iron Dome. It purged Systemic Operational Design's language from its tactical doctrine. Critically, the Israel Defense Force retrained both active and reserve units for combined arms maneuver to defeat hybrid threats. Altogether, this provided Israeli operational art the means of a conventional ground force to succeed against Hamas in 2008 and 2014. The IDF lacked such a force against Hezbollah's hybrid threat in 2006, and lost. An Israeli ground force reequipped and retrained for combined arms maneuver defeated Hamas in 2008, and enabled Israeli operational art to counter Hamas' new subterranean threat in 2014. The Israeli experience from 2006 to 2014 have made clear that a ground force capable of combined arms maneuver remained a necessary component for effective operational art against a hybrid threat."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Nguyen, Kha M.
2017-02-06
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Posturing Tactical ISR Beyond the Umbilical Cord
"Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has conducted special operations missions across the globe extremely well throughout the years especially when it comes to tactical ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] support with both its remotely piloted fleet of MQ-9s and manned ISR fleet of U-28As and recently acquired MC-12Ws. Each type of platform, either remotely piloted or manned, brings significant enhancements for supporting special operations missions. [...] AFSOC fills its alert requirements with MQ-9s that are capable of deploying onboard a cargo aircraft anywhere across the globe to support a crisis or contingency mission. As highlighted above there are no manned ISR assigned to the alert posture. This may be due to the fact that neither the U-28A nor the MC-12W is well suited to support the alert mission. This paper will evaluate the capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft like the MQ-9 and the manned aircraft in AFSOC's inventory, the U-28A and MC-12, and make recommendations to fill the void created by the lack of a manned ISR platform assigned to the special operations alert force that is postured to respond rapidly across the globe to take on the nation's interest."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Chauret, Keith N., II
2017-02-03
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System Shock: The Archetype of Operational Shock
From the thesis abstract: "The primary research question for this study is whether the US can use the concept of 'system shock' to better operate in the Grey Zone. 'System shock' combines ideas from systems theory, chaos theory, and complexity theory to link the ideas of bifurcation and operational shock. System shock is an archetype for military operations that focuses on bifurcating any opposing system to achieve operational shock. This monograph argues that system shock provides military leaders and planners with a framework to fight and win in Grey Zone environments and that this concept nests within Unified Land Operations (ULO) doctrine by testing three claims. The first claim is that system shock is a useful framework to interpret and affect system behavior. The second claim is that the Grey Zone is a complex adaptive system, which allows the system shock framework to apply. The final claim is that system shock nests within current US Army ULO doctrine. The theory of system shock does not dictate specific action. Instead, it proposes a conceptual framework to interpret and understand how operations progress and to train the military planner's mind to look for connections in more places and with a greater purpose behind short-term gains. The theory of system shock can help leaders and planners best identify and address the correct problem in the Gray Zone and other military operations. Therefore, this monograph provides operational artists and military practitioners with an additional lens to use when planning and executing operations."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
McDaniel, Benjamen A.
2017
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Spanish Pacification Campaigns in Morocco (1909-1927): Developing Indigenous Forces in Counterinsurgency
From the abstract: "In September 2016, military forces of several western nations were conducting operations aimed at developing host nation forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. For years, in those scenarios, part of the effort to eliminate endemic insurgencies has been to raise and employ indigenous troops, which is probably one of the hardest military tasks in building local capabilities. From that perspective, the Spanish experience in Northern Morocco from 1909 to 1927 is one of those cases worthy of examination. When Spain assumed the establishment of a protectorate in 1912, its army faced a large and persistent insurgency. Extensive documentation exists concerning the Spanish operations in Northern Morocco. However, not much has been written about the impact that the creation and employment of indigenous troops had in relation to it. To fight such an enemy, the Spanish authorities soon established different models of regular and irregular indigenous-based units to secure and stabilize the country. The Indigenous Police, the Indigenous Regular Forces (Regulares), and the Xeriffian Mehal-la were of special importance."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Pontijas, Juan Martinez
2017
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War and Man: Finding Practical Value in Psychological Theories for the Military Professional
From the student abstract: "When military professionals employ psychological models in appropriate ways, they may find perspectives that enable new action and points of view. As people are always changing, it is necessary to have fresh ways to understand ourselves and others. The Five Factor Model and the Enneagram system show positive trends in scientific measuring and credibility yet are rarely used in the military. The focus herein extracts practical applications of these models for the military professional. Psychological models provide a framework to increase self-awareness, improve one's understanding of others, guide how one interacts with others, and illuminate the military activities that come most natural to the professional. Ultimately, the Five Factor Model is best suited to increase self-awareness by illuminating the military professional's natural disposition across five broad categories including openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The Enneagram's narrative provides a coherent image of nine different typologies and how they each tend to behave, think, and feel across various levels of performance. As archetypes, there is no one person who fits any of these categories precisely. However, these theories can serve as valuable guides for the most challenging aspect of the military profession: daily interaction in the complex world of people."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
O'Malley, Trevor
2017
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Back to the Future? Associated Units and ARNG Brigade Combat Teams
From the thesis abstract: "This monograph examined the newly announced Associated Units Pilot Program. Four decades removed from the All-Volunteer Force and Total Force Policy mandate, a significant portion of the US Army's combat power resides in the Army National Guard (ARNG) in terms of brigade combat teams. ARNG brigade combat teams are manned, equipped, and designed to train and deploy as 'One Army' with the Active Regular Army for major combat operations. Over the last four decades, numerous opportunities existed for the President, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the US Army to mitigate strategic risk and mobilize ARNG combat brigades for major combat operations, specifically the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War. To date, numerous challenges prevented their consideration, most notable their inability to meet all peacetime readiness, integration, and responsiveness expectations for major combat operations. In 2016, the US Army announced the new Associated Units Pilot Program to increase readiness, integration, and responsiveness of the ARNG to train and deploy as 'One Army' with the Active Regular Army. This monograph asked whether the Associated Units Pilot Program represented a new operational approach for ARNG brigade combat teams and major combat operations. The historical record revealed that it was not only not new, but an old operational approach that failed. The Congress, the DOD, the US Army, and the ARNG stopped challenging assumptions and asking hard questions. ARNG brigade combat teams are no more ready, integrated, or responsive for major combat operations than they were for the Persian Gulf War twenty-six years ago."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Pope, James L.
2017
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United States Marine Corps Post-Cold War Evolutionary Efforts: Implications for a Post Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Force
From the thesis abstract: "This monograph asks, what lessons can the contemporary Marine Corps learn from its transition from the post-Cold War and Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm period, during the 1990s, that are applicable during the current period of transition following the conclusion of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom? The thesis describes how, during the 1990s, in a time of budgetary constraints and personnel draw downs, the Marine Corps benefited from the efforts of forward thinking strategic leaders, namely Commandants of the Marine Corps Alfred Gray and Charles Krulak. These leaders developed groundbreaking doctrinal concepts, published updates to foundational guidance, and capitalized on future thinking experimentation, which enabled initial full spectrum military successes in Afghanistan and Iraq without compromising its ability to conduct a wider range of military operations if required. This monograph draws conclusions from this period of transition and transformation and provides recommendations for how the Marine Corps should be thinking and acting during this contemporary period of transition in the wake of Global War on Terrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This monograph looks at the Marine Corps' current operational role as it supports, or detracts from, the Corps' long-term relevancy or if current strategic leaders need to focus on innovative capabilities and concepts to support future war fighters and its ability to wage war."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Adams, Eric J.
2017
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Managing the Civil-Military Relationship: A Study of Lincoln's Management of the Army of the Potomac Within the Context of Mission Command
From the thesis abstract: "The civil-military relationship that exists between the U.S. Army and the legislative and executive branches of government must maintain a foundation of shared understanding and trust in order to function in today's dynamic world. This study endeavors to provide a historical case study of President Lincoln and his leadership of the commanding generals of the Army of the Potomac in order to extrapolate a successful methodology applicable to today's civil-military relationship. This research draws a historical parallel through current U.S. Army mission command doctrinal language towards an understanding of how focusing effort through shared understanding can facilitate not only the issuance, but also the receipt of best military advice. President Lincoln utilized a combination of both personal and positional power to effect change when needed, and to develop a unity of vision toward both action and effort. Lincoln understood that there was a national relationship that must be fostered and developed with his military. Lincoln's leadership of not only his Army of the Potomac but also his cabinet illuminate an example of what a unifying philosophy can provide to a system of balance that exists by design in the U.S. civil-military construct."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Allen, David P.
2017
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US-Russian Cooperation in the Post Cold War Environment
From the abstract: "At a time when many are considering how the United States will fight the Russians, this monograph explores, instead, the history of US-Russian cooperation in the post-Cold War era and analyzes the acceptability of US-Russian cooperation, the substance of US-Russian cooperation, and the elements of US-Russian cooperation for the year 2017 and beyond. The author begins by recounting the many examples of cooperation during the Cold War and continues with a summary of cooperation during the administrations of George H.W. Bush through Barack H. Obama. He proceeds to answer three questions related to the prospects of future cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation: Should the United States cooperate with Russia? On what should the United States and Russia cooperate? What principles should guide United States cooperation with Russia? Through his analysis, the author finds that despite the often tumultuous and increasingly adversarial relationship, cooperation has remained a consistent feature of US-Russian relations. Moreover, he identifies a number of characteristics of Russian behavior and foreign policy, some in evidence during the tsarist period, which continue to influence the United States' dealings with Russia today. As the author describes, US-Russian cooperation since the end of the Cold War has steadily deteriorated to the point at which some now characterize the relationship as being even worse than it was during the Cold War. Nevertheless, the author concludes that both countries will continue to seek ways to cooperate, but after forging a new relationship during the first two decades of the post-Cold War era and striving to preserve a troubled relationship during the third, the United States now must reinvent the relationship amid a significantly changed operating environment."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Davis, Jeffrey S.
2017
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Operation Dragoon: Unified Land Operations and Elements of Operational Art in Southern France
From the abstract: "Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France on August 15, 1944, is one of the least celebrated, yet highly successful operations conducted by the Allies on the Western front during World War II. Allied planners initially proposed an amphibious invasion of Southern France in support of the cross-channel invasion during the Trident Conference in Washington, DC in May 1943. Allied planners revisited Operation Dragoon several times over the next twelve months, as it remained a divisive issue between the Americans and the British. Their divergent strategic goals and the limited resources to meet these goals resulted in frequent changes and cancellations, but ultimately the operation went forward.Operation Dragoon was a supporting operation to the Allies' main effort in Normandy. The operation had two primary purposes: to force the German forces in France to fight in two directions and to give Allied forces access to the vital port facilities at Marseilles and Toulon. Operation Dragoon achieved far more success than anticipated. The Germans failed to anticipate the landings and form a viable defense, leaving them with only the option to withdraw. As the Germans began to retreat, American and French forces began an aggressive pursuit. In less than four weeks they caused the Germans to sustain a loss of over 150,000 casualties while liberating a large portion of Southern France. This monograph seeks to provide insight into various elements of today's concept of operational art and the US Army's operational doctrine expressed in Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 3-0, Unified Land Operations (ULO). By identifying and analyzing similar methods employed in making Operation Dragoon a success, this monograph identifies ways in which the success of the operation can inform future operational planners."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Cuff, Justin M.
2017
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Duke of Wellington's Command of the Spanish Army in the Peninsular War
From the thesis abstract: "In the post-World War 2 era of limited warfare, coalition operations have become the norm. The building and employment of these coalitions is complex, but hardly a new issue. Following the occupation of Spain by the French in 1808 and the crushing defeats of the Spanish army thereafter, the British intervened in the Peninsula to maintain Portuguese sovereignty. Because of the limited Anglo-Portuguese manpower, when the military objective changed to driving the French from Spain a coalition with the Spanish government and employment of Spanish troops became necessary to match French strength. This paper examines the political jockeying and contentious issues surrounding Wellington being named the commander of the Spanish army in the fall of 1812 and the challenges in employing and rebuilding the Spanish effectiveness to employ them as part of the allied force."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Martin, Timothy
2017
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Center for Homeland Defense and Security Annual Report [2017]
"In the classroom, in the halls of government and on the scene of countless catastrophes across the world, the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security continues its mission to make the nation safer through education. In 2017, that mission continued at all levels. In the classroom, more than 2,500 homeland security professionals have completed CHDS's core academic offerings since the Center's inception: Master's Degree Program, 1,018; Executive Leaders Program (ELP), 637; Fusion Center Leaders Program (FCLP), 486; Pacific Executive Leaders Program (PELP), 215; and, Radiological Emergence Preparedness (REP) Executive Education Program, 221. [...] In addition, this year marked the launch of two highly tailored academic programs designed to address the shifting needs of the homeland security workforce. The first, Emergence, is targeted at professionals in the early stage of their careers. The first two cohorts totaled 64 participants and was well received for fusing homeland security subject matter with up-and-coming leaders. Another academic program, Advanced Thinking in Homeland Security (HSx), was designed for to bring selected alumni together to identify and solve the most wicked problems facing homeland security while experimenting with and designing new curriculum for all programs. The innovations in thinking that these alumni are producing reflect the breadth and depth of the programs and the Center as a whole. The Center's educational curriculum compounded and complemented through two programs that provide a multiplier effect - the Agency and University Partnership Initiative (UAPI) and the Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL). UAPI has grown to 384 academic institutions and agencies sharing curriculum while its two annual conferences drew more than 100 educators each. The HSDL now features more than 172,200 of the most current research and policy documents in the homeland security arena. Our academic publication, the Homeland Security Affairs Journal (HSAJ), continued its leading edge research with 18 peer-reviewed articles this year."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
2017
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Life and Liberty: Economic, Political and Ethical Issues Arising from 21st Century Quarantines for Influenza
"Quarantine is a word that elicits fear among many. However, it is also a long-utilized and important policy tool for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This thesis considers the role of quarantine for influenza outbreaks during the twenty-first century. I thematically review scientific literature on the ethical, social and political, and economic issues that have arisen from or have the potential to arise from quarantines for influenza. After identifying these issues, I make policy recommendations targeted at mitigating them. I then compare these with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance to determine where our recommendations overlap and diverge. I propose a set of five additional recommendations to the WHO Guidance for governments considering implementing quarantines for influenza: develop of a body of experts and stakeholders for policymaking, use least-restrictive policy measures first, establish a duty to treat and its limits, determine who will be prioritized during cases of scarcity, and establish support and compensation mechanisms for quarantined individuals. My research contributes to the discourse around quarantine for influenza by identifying a broad scope of consequences of quarantine for influenza. It also contributes to the existing literature on quarantine design for influenza by proposing policies targeted at addressing the issues I identify. While this research is a start, there is still a great need for further research to prepare for and learn from influenza outbreaks. My recommendations fit well alongside existing influenza pandemic preparedness plans such as the WHO's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance during an influenza outbreak to develop robust disease control policy for influenza outbreaks."
Duke University
Serat, Simone
2017
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Volunteer Flying Organizations: Law Enforcement's Untapped Resource
From the thesis abstract: "Given the fiscal constraints of today's law enforcement environment, many local police and sheriff agencies are unable to fully implement an aviation division due to the inherent costs to operate aircraft and pay professional law enforcement pilots. To cope with the extreme costs, some smaller police forces around the country have relied on the help of volunteer civilian pilots to augment law enforcement based aviation operations. This thesis uses recommendations of the Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC) to provide a foundational understanding on the critical aspects of running a law enforcement aviation division. By using PSAAC as the foundation, this thesis compares the aviation divisions of the following agencies: California Highway Patrol (CHP), Monterey County Aero Squadron (MCAS), and Lane County Sheriff's Office (LCSO). Comparing the all-volunteer divisions of MCAS and LCSO to the professional force of CHP yielded a list of best practices for the law enforcement aviation community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Laird, Christopher R.
2016-12
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Key to Enduring Peace: Reforms in Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan
From the thesis abstract: "During the Cold War and the ongoing Global War On Terrorism, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan formed the strongholds of mujahedeen-turned terrorists. For the last four decades, the tribespeople of FATA have been the victims of terror and socio-economic deprivation. The tribal traditions and the semiautonomous status of FATA- in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan- barred Pakistan's administration from imposing any order in the FATA. In the absence of any real law enforcement and governance mechanism in FATA, the Taliban thrived- and exported terror to the outside world. After 9/11, amid international pressure, Pakistan's government endeavored to establish its writ in FATA. As part of this process, Pakistan's Army drove the Taliban from FATA through a decade-long military campaign. Now, to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, Pakistan must integrate FATA into the national mainstream by imposing the full constitutional framework on the lawless region. This thesis examines the integration options available to Pakistan to absorb FATA into its national system and examines the possibility of merging FATA with Khyber Pakhtun Khaw province- which has significant ethnic, religious, and cultural similarities, though it has been part of Pakistan's federal system for 70 years. Specifically, this thesis highlights the administrative and economic reforms necessary to establish effective state control and to bring the FATA to equal status with Pakistan's other provinces."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Khan, Muhammad Waqar Khalid
2016-12
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Russian Weaponization of Information and Influence in the Baltic States
From the thesis abstract: "Russian soft power and non-military information influence pose significant threats to the integrity of NATO in the Baltic States. Russian media, disinformation, and propaganda, manipulation of political processes, infiltration of Russian language education, and organization of ethnic Russians through formal and informal foreign policy structures may destabilize the Baltic States to the point that Russia can justify military intervention, presenting NATO with a strategic dilemma in the Baltics leading to protracted warfare or dissolution of the alliance. Soviet-style 'Active Measures' present challenges reminiscent to those faced during the Cold War, with an asymmetric advantage wielded by a regime intent on maintaining domestic stability while conducting propaganda and disinformation campaigns, thus increasing control over domestic information content and flow. Free societies in the West must account for independent media and for the likelihood that observers will believe the disinformation. These challenges require nuanced and comprehensive strategies that address nefarious influence while preventing escalation between the US and NATO against a revanchist and increasingly authoritarian Russia."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Marler, Scott W.
2016-12
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DHS Skunkworks Project: Defining and Addressing Homeland Security Grand Challenges
From the thesis abstract: "What global grand challenges do we face today that will have an impact on the homeland security landscape twenty-five years from now? Today, a grand challenge is intended as a call-to-action for a given field, to find the potential solution for a moonshot problem. This thesis recommends potential methods and organizational capacity requirements for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) science and technology (S&T) based on a focused comparison of three cases: XPRIZE [XPRIZE Foundation], Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and DHS S&T [Science and Technology]. This research shows that both XPRIZE and DARPA have a consistent record of innovation and disruption that have transformed contemporary life through, for example, the internet, space travel, cloud computing, GPS, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and satellite imagery. However, DHS S&T has an uneven history and uninspiring track record of using research and development to deliver results. Through a contemporary application of smart practices used by XPRIZE and DARPA, DHS can better prepare for today's shifting technological threat environment. DHS' current approach to grand challenges is local and linear when it should be global and innovative. Better defining moonshot problems will lay the foundation for S&T to adopt pioneering strategies and to harness the massive potential of the crowd. These strategies will further drive innovation, the cornerstone to solving tomorrow's grand challenges."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bowman, Calvin J.
2016-12
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Analysis of a Multi-disciplinary Approach to Gun Misuse and the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Terminology
From the thesis abstract: "The threat of gun misuse occurs against the backdrop of historical, cultural, and legal perspectives within which guns are immersed. This thesis explores the potential for collaboration among the medical, legal, and homeland security disciplines when confronting a commonly held threat, such as gun misuse. Currently, each discipline has a unique and sometimes conflicting definitional view of what the term 'gun control' actually means, as well as how it is to be operationally approached. What emerges within this thesis is the position that 'gun control' is not even the correct term to use and should be avoided when addressing issues involving gun misuse. Rather, the use of the term 'gun misuse prevention' appears to be more appropriate. Such a shift in perspective is not only more consistent with the gun misuse data presented, but also serves to dampen the polarization imposed by the use of the term 'control.' Further, it provides a clearer path for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to approach and make recommendations when confronting the issue of gun misuse that includes legislative, policy, and technological approaches. This type of approach may pave the way for addressing other issues of common interdisciplinary concern."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Arnold, Damon T.
2016-12
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Fracking: Unintended Consequences for Local Communities
From the thesis abstract: "The advent of hydraulic fracturing and the ability to bore horizontal wells have changed the energy industry for better and worse since 2005. Advancements have dramatically increased the extraction of oil from shale, but the controversial process, commonly known as 'fracking,' has transformed North Dakota's Bakken into a major producer of oil that has affected global oil markets. The questions asked in this thesis are as follows: What are the effects of unconventional shale oil exploration on local communities? How can they prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and recover from the socioeconomic impacts associated with shale oil exploration? What happened at the Bakken served as a case study to evaluate the holistic impact of fracking on the environment and socioeconomics of local communities at the epicenter of shale oil production. This study included an evaluation of crucial environmental issues: water consumption, water quality, air quality, wastewater disposal, and seismic activity in western North Dakota. Socioeconomic concerns comprised population growth, housing availability, employment rate, community growth, taxes, infrastructure needs, and crime rate. An analysis of these impacts leads this thesis to six offer recommendations that local decision makers should consider as they strive to implement risk-reduction strategies and policies for their communities." A 17 minute, 6 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=808940]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Stangeland, Chad David
2016-12
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NATO's Small States: Albania as a Case Study
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines Albania, one of the newest Alliance members, as a case study in the debate as to whether small states serve as security importers or providers in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It investigates the hypothesis that the benefits for NATO as a whole associated with Albania's NATO membership outweigh the costs. Albania's accession to NATO, the evolution of its roles, and its potential for expanded contributions are evaluated to assess the advantages and costs of Albania's membership in the Alliance. This project places Albania's NATO membership since 2009 in the context of its independence since 1912 in order to provide insight regarding Albania's decision making and motivations. It also analyzes Albania's contributions to NATO during its Partnership for Peace (PfP) membership in 1994--2009 and as an Alliance member since 2009. This thesis concludes that despite its weak economy, domestic issues, and numerically small military forces, Albania is a valued member of the Alliance that provides important capabilities in support of NATO's core tasks."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burden, Brandon
2016-12
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Using Crowdsourced Geospatial Data to Aid in Nuclear Proliferation Monitoring
From the thesis abstract: "In 2014, a Defense Science Board Task Force was convened in order to assess and explore new technologies that would aid in nuclear proliferation monitoring. One of their recommendations was for the director of National Intelligence to explore ways that crowdsourced geospatial imagery technologies could aid existing governmental efforts. Our research builds directly on this recommendation and provides feedback on some of the most successful examples of crowdsourced geospatial data (CGD). As of 2016, Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has assumed the new role of becoming the primary U.S. agency responsible for counter-proliferation. Historically, this institution has always been reliant upon other organizations for the execution of its myriad of mission sets. SOCOM's unique ability to build relationships makes it particularly suited to the task of harnessing CGD technologies and employing them in the capacity that our research recommends. Furthermore, CGD is a low cost, high impact tool that is already being employed by commercial companies and non-profit groups around the world. By employing CGD, a wider whole-of-government effort can be created that provides a long term, cohesive engagement plan for facilitating a multi-faceted nuclear proliferation monitoring process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Miller, Steven J.; Leno,Kenyon M.
2016-12
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Assessing Anti-American Sentiment Through Social Media Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines the history of anti-Americanism as both a passing sentiment and an enduring ideology and how both can be detrimental to American security and future prosperity. It further explores the analytical methods for studying anti-Americanism, to include classic polling and social media analysis in an attempt to determine the reliability of each. This work attempts to bring to light the underlying motives for anti-American beliefs by examining relationships between explicit American actions in Pakistan and Japan and variations in anti-American sentiment. The results show that drone strikes in Pakistan and large-scale military exercises involving U.S. and Japanese forces both can cause significant fluctuations in the number of positive and negative tweets directed toward America. I argue that the mixed and negative messages represented in Twitter are due in a large part to a lack of U.S. transparency while conducting both drone strikes in Pakistan and military shows of force in and around Japan."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Morales, David J.
2016-12
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Do Villages Still Matter?
From the this abstract: "In 2014, the United Nations (UN) reported that there were 28 cities in the world with populations of over 10 million. In 2016, there were 34 of these 'megacities' and by the year 2030 the UN estimates that there will be 41. As a result, concerns over rapid megacity growth have become the focus of U.S. military planners and strategists attempting to determine how to best operate in the future megacity environment. In light of these demographic shifts and in the face of rapid megacity growth, this research asks the question: Do villages still matter? Three case studies were chosen that cover a wide geographic range, selecting two contemporary cases in areas with some of the highest rates of urbanization. The historic case broadens the geographic scope of the study, but also provides historical insights into how each variable influenced success or failure once an insurgency occupied the urban terrain. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that in spite of megacity growth, if in tomorrow's conflict the state chooses to take the fight to where the insurgent seeks refuge, it will likely occur in the mountains, jungles and deserts, for control of villages."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lommel, Matthew R.
2016-12
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Evaluating Common Hypotheses for Violence in Central America
"This thesis endeavors to bring analytical clarity to the assumptions that inform proposed policy solutions to the alarming rise in violence in Central America. The thesis evaluates three of the most common hypotheses for citizen insecurity in the region: the impact of structural economic problems like poverty and inequality; the efficacy of state criminological approaches; and the effectiveness of internal security institutions. To evaluate each hypothesis, the thesis uses a comparative case analysis of Nicaragua and El Salvador. In spite of dramatic divergence in violence outcomes, the two countries share many variables including geographical proximity, economic development challenges, a history of civil conflict, and democratic transition in the 1990s. Using homicide rates as the most reliable indicator of violence, the findings reveal that structural economic problems like poverty and inequality have only an imperfect correlation with citizen security. On the contrary, variables that correlate more closely with peaceful security outcomes include the effectiveness of security institutions--characterized by sophisticated plans, sound structures, and adequate resources--and rigorous criminological approaches as characterized by community involvement, efficient intelligence-gathering mechanisms, and recidivism reduction programs. The thesis's implications pertain not only to Central America but also to troubled regions throughout the world."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ellis, Geoffrey A.
2016-12
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From Successful Defense to Problematic Offense: The Devolution of Unconventional Warfare
Unconventional warfare (UW) originated in World War II as a defensive tactic,
utilized to assist an occupied ally during a conventional war. Since then, Special Forces
(SF) has changed the definition of UW to include offensive regime change as a strategic
option. This type of UW was practiced extensively by the Central Intelligence Agency
during the Cold War with poor results. The use of offensive UW by the United States is
problematic for a variety of reasons, ranging from unreliable proxy forces to
unpredictable results and negative international perception. The use of defensive UW
under certain conditions remains justified and practical, but retains many of the same
issues. After examining the history of the United States' use of UW, this thesis concludes
that Special Forces better serves the nation's interests by promoting itself as the premier
combined force of the United States military.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ball, Timothy S.
2016-12
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Small Arms Proliferation and Homegrown Terrorism in the Great Lakes Region: Uganda's Experience
From the thesis abstract: "Illicit arms are responsible for high death rates in the Great Lakes region. The phenomenon of small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation owes to historical factors, porous borders, and the prevalence of regional armed conflicts that offer markets for illicit arms and is compounded by poor arms management and control measures within the region. The effects of SALW on the social, economic, and political arenas in Uganda and in other states in the region are enormous. Ad hoc measures and the lack of regional consensus in implementation allow illicit arms to flow to homegrown terrorists. Although not the only cause of homegrown terrorism, SALW have remained a significant driver in creating a fragile security environment in which homegrown terrorism thrives. This thesis addresses the causes and effects of SALW proliferation in Uganda and the Great Lakes region. Specifically, it explores the nexus between homegrown terrorism and SALW proliferation. The study concludes by providing policy recommendations to combat homegrown terrorism and the effects of SALW proliferation in Uganda and the Great Lakes region."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kamwesiga, Polly K.
2016-12
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Assessing Sentiment in Conflict Zones Through Social Media
From the thesis abstract: "While it is widely accepted that polling can assess levels of popular support in a geographic area by surveying a cross-segment of its population, it is less well accepted that analysts can use social media analysis to assess sentiment or popular support within the same space. We examine this question by comparing geographically anchored polling and social media data, utilizing over 1.4 million geo-referenced messages sent through the Twitter network from Yemen over the period from October 2013 to January 2014, to assess both support for extremist groups and support to the Yemeni government. From our research, we conclude that social media data, when combined with polling, has a positive impact on analysis. It can also be a reliable source of stand-alone data for evaluating popular support under certain conditions. Therefore, we recommend future research projects focus on improving the quality of social media data and on operational changes to improve the integration of social media analysis into assessment plans."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bourret, Andrew K.; Wines, Joshua D.; Mendes,Jason M.
2016-12
