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The (Erroneous) Requirement For Human Judgment (And Error) In The Law Of Armed Conflict, Eric Talbot Jensen

International Law Studies

One of the most intriguing and important discussions in international law is the potential impact of emerging technologies on the law of armed conflict (LOAC), including weapons that incorporate machine learning and/or artificial intelligence. Because one of the likely characteristics of these advanced weapons would be the ability to make decisions implicating life and death on the battlefield, these discussions have highlighted a fundamental question concerning the LOAC: Does the law regulating armed conflict require human input in selecting and engaging targets or can that decision be made without human input? This article analyzes views expressed by scholars and NGOs, …

China Maritime Report No. 5: China's Dreadnought? The Pla Navy's Type 055 Cruiser And Its Implications For The Future Maritime Security Environment, Daniel Caldwell, Joseph Freda, Lyle J. Goldstein

CMSI China Maritime Reports

China’s naval modernization, a process that has been underway in earnest for three decades, is now hitting its stride. The advent of the Type 055 cruiser firmly places the PLAN among the world’s very top naval services. This study, which draws upon a unique set of Chinese-language writings, offers the first comprehensive look at this new, large surface combatant. It reveals a ship that has a stealthy design, along with a potent and seemingly well-integrated sensor suite. With 112 VLS cells, moreover, China’s new cruiser represents a large magazine capacity increase over legacy surface combatants. Its lethality might also be …

Hm 26: The Hattendorf Prize Lectures, Volume 1: 2011–2019, Evan Wilson

Historical Monographs

Let this volume serve three purposes. First, it is an example of naval history done well. All the essays were written by distinguished scholars, and they demonstrate the best of the field. They look beyond operations, integrating sea power into larger frameworks; they revel in complexity, rejecting simple explanations; and most of all, they ask the right questions. The lectures also demonstrate the enduring relevance of sea power theory. Mahan is not enough, but—thanks in part to the prize laureates—no one is suggesting that he is. Understanding the parameters of the historical debates, as well as their limitations, is essential …

Reflections On Reading, John E. Jackson

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em: The Rise And Fall Of The Military Cigarette Ration, Brad Carter, Joel R. Bius

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Review Essays: "Bringing Domestic Politics Back Into Grand Strategy," "Is The American Century Over?," And "Will The United States Learn From The Iraq War, Vol. 2, Surge And Withdrawal, 2007–2011", The U.S. Naval War College

Naval War College Review

American Pendulum: Recurring Debates in U.S. Grand Strategy, by Christopher Hemme; Is the American Century Over?, by Joseph S. Nye Jr., reviewed by Michael O’Hara; The U.S. Army in the Iraq War, vol. 2, Surge and Withdrawal, 2007–2011, ed. Joel D. Rayburn [Col., USA] and Frank K. Sobchak [Col., USA] reviewed by Daniel J. Cormier.

Research & Debate: Prediction, Wayne P. Hughes Jr.

Naval War College Review

The predictive power of experts, operations analysis, and the value of information are interwoven subjects that are hard to winnow down to an essence. Prediction is a big subject, so I have limited this article to what I know best: the operational and tactical domains of conventional warfare.

Neptune’S Oracle: Admiral Harry E. Yarnell’S Wartime Planning, 1918–20 And 1943–44, Frank A. Blazich Jr.

Naval War College Review

Admiral Yarnell’s training at the Naval War College combined with his planning experiences of 1918–20 and 1943–44 to instill ideas and methodologies that he applied throughout his career. His study of military history and his half century of service equipped him admirably to provide Navy leadership with sound foundations for further planning efforts. Yarnell’s strategic vision profoundly influenced the interwar Navy and the force that entered the Cold War era.

Should The United States Support A Republic Of Korea Nuclear Submarine Program?, Jihoon Yu, Erik French

Naval War College Review

The United States must choose whether it will oppose or support South Korea’s emerging SSN program. While the strategic risks the program represents are readily apparent, the United States should support and assist its ally if South Korea pursues acquisition of SSNs.

Blurred Lines: Gray-Zone Conflict And Hybrid War—Two Failures Of American Strategic Thinking, Donald Stoker, Craig Whiteside

Naval War College Review

The terms in question and the concepts arising from them cause more harm than good, contributing to a dangerous distortion of the concepts of war, peace, and geopolitical competition, with a negative impact on U.S. and allied security strategy.

President's Forum, Shoshana Chatfield Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, President, Naval War College

Naval War College Review

A Few Months in the Life of the Naval War College.

From The Editors, Robert Ayer

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Winter 2020 Full Issue, The U.S. Naval War College

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Ten Years In: Implementing Strategic Approaches To Cyberspace, Jacquelyn G. Schneider, Emily O. Goldman, Michael Warner, Paul M. Nakasone, Chris C. Demchak, Nancy A. Norton, Joshua Rovner, Timothy D. Haugh, William R. Garvey, Erika E. Volvino, Ryan R. Lemmerman, Erica D. Borghard, Shawn W. Lonergan, Timothy J. White, Paul Stanton, Michael Tilton, Peter Dombrowski, Nina Kollars

Newport Papers

This book represents a look beyond theories and analogies to examine the challenges of strategy implementation. In the essays that follow, practitioners who are building cyberspace forces at-scale join scholars who study power and force in this new domain to collectively offer a unique perspective on the evolution and future of cyber strategy and operations.

China Maritime Report No. 4: Civil Transport In Pla Power Projection, Conor M. Kennedy

CMSI China Maritime Reports

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has ambitious goals for its power projection capabilities. Aside from preparing for the possibility of using force to resolve Beijing’s territorial claims in East Asia, it is also charged with protecting China’s expanding “overseas interests.” These national objectives require the PLA to be able to project significant combat power beyond China’s borders. To meet these needs, the PLA is building organic logistics support capabilities such as large naval auxiliaries and transport aircraft. But it is also turning to civilian enterprises to supply its transportation needs.

The Role Of Riverine Warfare In The Civil War, John F. Dillon

Naval War College Review

The American Civil War saw the introduction of many new concepts to the art of warfare, some of which were widely recognized at the time. The importance of railroads to tactical flexibility and logistics, and the impact of ironclad naval vessels on future warfare have long been noted. An equally significant but somewhat unappreciated development, however, arose from the conflict on the Western rivers of the Confederacy—riverine operations. Born of necessity, circumstance, and the vision of a few men, cooperation between infantry and an odd assortment of improvised river forces gave Union commanders the decisive advantage needed to split the …

Amnesty: An Old Gift In New Wrappings, Jack W. Howay

Naval War College Review

While amnesty advocates can cite numerous instances in history in which amnesty has been granted, in each instance it was more than likely a highly volatile political issue. The current problem is no different, and strong feelings will continue to persist even in the aftermath of the Vietnam war and the post-draft environment. Forgiveness is inherent in the American character, and it seems reasonable to expect that some sort of Presidential or legislative action will be taken. Whether the final result will favor limited amnesty, with violators paying the price, or complete absolution may depend on how soon the issue …

Selected Essays For Strategy Curriculum, Charles C. Pease, Edward A. Thibault, Frederic J. Beaudoin, John J. Kristof

Naval War College Review

• How Adaptive Has the Military Been to Technological Change?
• Thucydides on the Influence of Seapower
• Union Victory: Manpower, Management of Resources, or Generalship?
• The Royal Navy's Defeat of the French at Sea in the Years 1793-1815

March-April 1973 Full Issue, The U.S. Naval War College

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Adverse Cyber Operations: Causality, Attribution, Evidence, And Due Diligence, Hans-Georg Dederer, Tassilo Singer

International Law Studies

Adverse cyber operations against States are on the rise, and so are the legal challenges related to such incidents under public international law. This article will not delve into already intensely debated problems of classification, such as whether adverse cyber operations constitute “armed attacks” or “use of force.” Rather, the article will focus on causality and attribution with special regard to problems of evidence. In particular, the article will elaborate on the applicable standards of proof to be met by the victim State when submitting, or having to submit, evidence to justify self-defense or countermeasures against the State of origin. …

The Peacetime Right Of Approach And Visit And Effective Security Council Sanctions Enforcement At Sea, Craig H. Allen

International Law Studies

Naval forces deployed across the world’s seas to enforce counterproliferation sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council must surmount any number of operational and legal challenges. High seas boardings by any State other than the vessel’s flag State remain controversial. The 1982 Law of the Sea Convention’s high seas articles carefully balance the principles of freedom of navigation and exclusive flag-State jurisdiction with the shared interest in ensuring effective enforcement of laws against certain serious offenses. The peacetime right of visit is a limited but invaluable compromise between those competing interests. Some commentators have suggested expanding the right to address …

Law As Strategy: Thinking Below The State In Afghanistan, Charles H. Norchi

International Law Studies

In Doha, Qatar the government of the United States has conducted successive rounds of negotiations with a non-State, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) over the future of a State that was not present—the Government of Afghanistan. Regardless of the outcome, the United States will retain a national security interest in Afghanistan and the region. Contextually nuanced strategic choices will be critical and law could be a key strategy. This article identifies relevant Afghan history—a collective longue durée—appraises the severable sovereignty of the Afghan State, and underscores the imperative of working below the State. Drawing on a 1952 …

The Occupation Of Maritime Territory Under International Humanitarian Law, Marco Longobardo

International Law Studies

This article explores whether it is possible to apply the law of occupation beyond land territory, to maritime areas characterized here as “maritime territory.” The article argues that the definition of territory under Article 42 of the 1907 Hague Regulations comprises internal waters, territorial sea, and archipelagic waters, whereas other areas such as the continental shelf, the exclusive economic zone, and high seas fall outside the scope of Article 42. Accordingly, internal waters, the territorial sea, and archipelagic waters may be placed under occupation if a hostile force exercises actual authority over them without valid legal title. The article describes …

Review Essay: From Victory To Failure, The Army Study Of The Iraq War, 2003–2006, Dov S. Zakheim, Joel D. Rayburn, Frank K. Sobchak

Naval War College Review

The U.S. Army in the Iraq War, ed. Joel D. Rayburn [Col., USA] and Frank K. Sobchak [Col., USA]. Vol. 1, Invasion, Insurgency, Civil War: 2003–2006. Carlisle, PA: U.S. Army War College Press, 2019. 742 pages.

Sixteen years after the United States launched Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), the war remains highly controversial, and American troops continue to operate in Iraq, albeit at reduced force levels and with far more-limited operational and tactical objectives. Recognizing that it was time to take stock of the Army’s performance in a decade of operations, former Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. …

China’S Maritime Gray Zone Operations, Charles Horner, Andrew S. Erickson, Ryan D. Martinson

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Secret Wars: Covert Conflict In International Politics, Abram N. Shulsky, Austin Carson

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

War In 140 Characters: How Social Media Is Reshaping Conflict In The Twenty-First Century, Marc D. Beaudreau, David Patrikarakos

Naval War College Review

No abstract provided.

Review Essay: Full-Bodied Cyber Without The Hype, Sam J. Tangredi, Martin C. Libicki

Naval War College Review

Cyberspace in Peace and War, by Martin C. Libicki. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2016. 478 pages. As a fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at National Defense University in the early 1990s, Martin Libicki was one of the first defense analysts to write on the security implications of information warfare and the Internet.

Research & Debate—The Medium Is The Message: Weaving Wargaming More Tightly Into The Fabric Of The Navy, Robert C. Rubel

Naval War College Review

By now, the challenge and threat of a rising and contentious China and an increasingly hostile Russia have penetrated the Navy’s corporate consciousness, and current leaders are taking steps to shift the service from a purely power- projection posture to one that focuses again on defending American command of the sea. The Navy is initiating adjustments to fleet design and architecture as well as a rebirth of fleet experimentation. While perhaps late in coming, these responses to the emergent challenges of our time are encouraging.

The Royal Navy And Organizational Learning—The Western Approaches Tactical Unit And The Battle Of The Atlantic, Geoffrey Sloan

Naval War College Review

The Western Approaches Tactical Unit is a unique example of a learning organization. It was created within the bureaucratic constraints of the Admiralty yet was highly effective in changing command culture in the Royal Navy—which proved to be the deciding factor in the early days of World War II, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic.