Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
- Keyword
-
- China (26)
- Russia (18)
- Ukraine (18)
- Strategy (17)
- NATO (15)
-
- Taiwan (12)
- Deterrence (11)
- Russia-Ukraine War (10)
- Indo-Pacific (9)
- World War II (9)
- Intelligence (8)
- Civil-military relations (7)
- North Korea (7)
- Clausewitz (6)
- Geopolitics (6)
- Grand strategy (6)
- International relations (6)
- Military strategy (6)
- Cold War (5)
- Diplomacy (5)
- Great-power competition (5)
- Information operations (5)
- International law (5)
- Korean Peninsula (5)
- Large-scale combat operations (5)
- Middle East (5)
- Military intelligence (5)
- National Defense Strategy (5)
- Professional military education (5)
- Public opinion (5)
Articles 1 - 30 of 87
Full-Text Articles in Policy History, Theory, and Methods
From The Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff
From The Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue of Parameters, which consists of two In Focus special commentaries, three forums (Indo-Pacific, Strategy, and Historical Studies) and the Strategic Competition Corner.
Parameters, Usawc Press
Parameters, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
Geopolitical Chessboard: How Vietnam Shapes American-Chinese Competition, Kiet H. Lê, Hiep X. Trần
Geopolitical Chessboard: How Vietnam Shapes American-Chinese Competition, Kiet H. Lê, Hiep X. Trần
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Vietnam’s geostrategic position—bordering China and commanding key South China Sea maritime routes—makes it a pivotal actor in shaping great-power competition in Southeast Asia. This article argues that the United States should support Vietnam’s neutrality and strategic autonomy as a means of countering Chinese influence. Unlike prior studies that portray regional states as passive players, this analysis highlights Vietnam’s active role in influencing regional dynamics. Through comparative analysis with the Philippines, using historical case studies, geographic assessments, and policy reviews, the article offers practical insights for military and policy practitioners on how geography shapes alliance formation and strategic competition.
Key Themes In Sino-American History, David J. Lorenzo, Ian Murphy
Key Themes In Sino-American History, David J. Lorenzo, Ian Murphy
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article examines how historical narratives shape the messaging of the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Republic of China, particularly regarding Sino-American relations. It identifies three key historical themes—trade, discriminatory policies, and Taiwan—that are frequently invoked in China’s statements and information campaigns. By contextualizing these themes, the article argues that military and national security professionals need a deeper understanding of Sino-American history to interpret China’s messaging correctly and counter its influence effectively. The article advocates for the integration of Sino-American historical content into professional military education curricula to enhance strategic awareness and policy formulation.
Rethinking Power: E. H. Carr’S Enduring Lessons For Modern Strategists, Brian J. Hasse
Rethinking Power: E. H. Carr’S Enduring Lessons For Modern Strategists, Brian J. Hasse
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues E. H. Carr’s classic conception of power provides enduring lessons for national security, but these lessons are easily lost in application. Unlike much of the existing literature, this article emphasizes how modern conceptions of power convey an illusion of balance, while the national security bureaucracy constrains the effective synchronization of power. The analysis leverages both historical and contemporary case studies to identify what a balanced conception of power looks like in practice, with the hope of informing US national security strategy and policy in today’s complex security environment.
How Is Going To War Like Buying A Car?: The Bargaining Model Of War, Richard R. Johnson
How Is Going To War Like Buying A Car?: The Bargaining Model Of War, Richard R. Johnson
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The bargaining model of war, a popular, yet complex international relations theory, emphasizes how nations communicate signals regarding military strength, resolve to fight, and foreign policy goals. Since the military plays a major role in communicating these signals, its leaders should understand this theory, despite its complexities. This article explains the model and its components through the used car sale bargaining process and supplements the analogy with real-world examples of international events. This article will help military and foreign policy professionals easily grasp the concepts of the model.
A New Security Framework For Nato’S Eastern Flank, Matthew J. Kukla, Anna Batta
A New Security Framework For Nato’S Eastern Flank, Matthew J. Kukla, Anna Batta
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues for a NATO-EU–led security strategy to achieve long-term deterrence in Ukraine after the end of the Russia-Ukraine War. Unlike existing analyses, this article straddles the strategic level of deterrence, outlining an operational road map. Its historical example of the Iraq War shows that long-term security requires the development of plans before a conflict ends, long-term commitments, and multilateral—not unilateral—security efforts. The proposed solution provides strategic planners and policymakers with a low-risk, high-reward approach that leverages burden sharing through a multinational framework.
Turning Tactical Victories Into Strategic Success: Counterinsurgency In The Irish Civil War, 1922–23, Gareth Prendergast, John A. Nagl
Turning Tactical Victories Into Strategic Success: Counterinsurgency In The Irish Civil War, 1922–23, Gareth Prendergast, John A. Nagl
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The fundamentals the Irish National Army used in the Irish Civil War (1922–23) are a model for the successful application of a classic counterinsurgency which, if understood earlier, could have made a difference in the United States’ most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Irish Civil War has not been examined in-depth through the lens of modern counterinsurgency doctrine. This article draws on military history and recent counterinsurgency doctrines to provide US policymakers and military practitioners practical guidance for how counterinsurgent forces can foster trust and use appropriate tactics that lead to strategic success.
From The Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff
From The Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of Parameters, which consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Clausewitz and Modern Warfare, Operational Considerations, and Historical Studies), and the Strategic Competition Corner.
Approaching The Military As A Profession Through The Clausewitzian Trinity, Adam T. Biggs
Approaching The Military As A Profession Through The Clausewitzian Trinity, Adam T. Biggs
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The Clausewitzian trinity (people, government, and military—or passion, reason, and chance) can enhance existing scholarship and discussions about military professionalism by emphasizing the fundamental purpose of military forces. Specifically, managing chance incorporates elements of reducing uncertainty and applying creativity as individuals develop coup d’oeil. Junior personnel manage chance by reducing cognitive load while enhancing cognitive skills needed to quickly assess battlefield conditions as they progress to becoming senior leaders. This article contrasts these ideas against the various roles assigned to civil-military forces in the Clausewitzian trinity to emphasize professionalism in developing military leaders.
Strategic Rivalries: How Are They Won?, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
Strategic Rivalries: How Are They Won?, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues strategic rivalries—distinct from general strategic competition—are best understood as contests in which states prioritize weakening a specific opponent’s capacity to compete. It departs from existing work by critiquing the Joint Concept for Competing’s narrow definition and by emphasizing rivalry termination as a central but understudied dimension. Drawing on decades of international relations scholarship and historical datasets of interstate rivalries since 1815, the article analyzes how rivalries end and identifies strategic preclusion as a proactive approach for winning them. Its insights offer policy and military practitioners guidance for shaping competitive strategies short of war.
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
Parameters Spring 2026, Usawc Press
Parameters Spring 2026, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
Strategic Theory And Clausewitz’S Trinitarian Test, Lukas Milevski
Strategic Theory And Clausewitz’S Trinitarian Test, Lukas Milevski
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Carl von Clausewitz’s trinity represents a qualitative test for strategy in both theory and practice. With the trinity, Clausewitz transforms competing influences into a mark of theoretical quality. Synthesizing several translations of Clausewitz’s On War and interpretations by experts such as Hew Strachan, Antulio J. Echevarria II, and Frank G. Hoffman, this article suggests that Clausewitz believed that good theory encompasses and accounts for all fundamental forces of war, whereas bad theory emphasizes the extremes of one force. The trinity compels mandatory considerations for students of theory, war planners, and practitioners.
Imitating Us Doctrine Cost Europe Its Heavy Combat Power, Bence Nemeth
Imitating Us Doctrine Cost Europe Its Heavy Combat Power, Bence Nemeth
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues that Europe’s loss of heavy combat power is primarily the result of doctrinal shifts influenced by the United States, rather than underfunding alone. Unlike existing research that focuses on defense budgets or burden-sharing, this study isolates the opportunity costs of adopting US-based expeditionary and counterinsurgency doctrines. Using force structure data for Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom (1990–2022), it conducts a counterfactual analysis of lost tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and heavy artillery pieces. The article shows that Europe’s shortfalls are doctrinal as much as fiscal and highlights the relevance of maintaining balance in future doctrinal choices.
Spezialpropaganda: The East German Military’S Covert Information-Warfare Program, Joe Cheravitch
Spezialpropaganda: The East German Military’S Covert Information-Warfare Program, Joe Cheravitch
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article details the East German military’s extensive, innovative covert-propaganda program, which was designed to influence West German attitudes for almost two decades during the Cold War. Unlike existing scholarship that primarily addresses intelligence-led disinformation, this study exclusively analyzes military-led information warfare. The article uses previously classified East German military records to examine capabilities and tactics ranging from fake conscription notices to radio broadcasts. The findings offer contemporary US military planners and practitioners insight into the complexities of integrating information-warfare capabilities, measuring the effectiveness of propaganda, and understanding adversarial influence campaigns, with direct implications for current Joint Force planning and …
Security Implications Of The China-Russia-North Korea Triangle, Brian G. Carlson
Security Implications Of The China-Russia-North Korea Triangle, Brian G. Carlson
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article analyzes the evolving strategic dynamics within the China-Russia-North Korea triangle and their implications for global security. It argues that while the strengthened Russia–North Korea relationship poses risks for China’s global strategy and its major economic partnerships, for now, China also derives some benefits from these close ties and considers the risks to be manageable. Drawing on recent diplomatic developments, military cooperation, and regional responses, the article offers a nuanced assessment of how this alignment affects European and Indo-Pacific theaters. The analysis provides US policymakers with insight into the risks of opportunistic aggression and the strategic calculations driving these …
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
Parameters Winter 2025-26, Usawc Press
Parameters Winter 2025-26, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Winter 2025–26 issue of Parameters. We open with an In Focus commentary: “Responsibly Pursuing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for the War Fighter” by A. Blair Wilcox and C. Anthony Pfaff. The issue also features two forums (Indo-Pacific Deterrence and Considerations for Modern Warfare) and the inaugural Strategic Competition Corner.
Drones And The Changing Character Of War, Erik A. Davis
Drones And The Changing Character Of War, Erik A. Davis
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Cheap drones have transformed the character of war by creating a “mass effect” that challenges traditional principles of force concentration. Unlike commentary focused on offense-defense debates or ethics, this article explains how Jevons’s Paradox, the Red Queen Effect, and models like Lanchester’s Laws and Hughes’s Salvo Equations underpin this shift. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, historical theory, and production trends, it explains why the production of cheap “precision mass” is expected to accelerate. For military and policy practitioners, the analysis offers urgent guidance for adapting tactics, procurement, and doctrine to a battlefield dominated by ubiquitous, low-cost drones—before adversaries exploit this …
The Consequences Of Declining Patriotism In The United States, Neil N. Snyder
The Consequences Of Declining Patriotism In The United States, Neil N. Snyder
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Patriotism, an important determinant of American civil-military relations, is in decline among many Americans. This article analyzes the results of an extensive national survey fielded to assess Americans’ attitudes and finds that more veterans value patriotism than Generation Z nonveterans, that Americans’ trust in their military is correlated with their value for patriotism, and that members of Generation Z are more likely to consider serving in the US military if they value patriotism. Although patriotism is normally a source of national unity, it may now be a source of division between veterans, nonveterans, and Generation Z.
Parameters Autumn 2025, Usawc Press
Parameters Autumn 2025, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.
Russian Arctic Land Forces And Defense Trends Redefined By Nato And Ukraine, Troy J. Bouffard, Lester W. Grau, Charles K. Bartles, Mathieu Boulègue
Russian Arctic Land Forces And Defense Trends Redefined By Nato And Ukraine, Troy J. Bouffard, Lester W. Grau, Charles K. Bartles, Mathieu Boulègue
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues that Russia’s Arctic land forces have been weakened by the Russia-Ukraine War and NATO’s northern expansion, creating a strategic window for Western militaries to bolster their Arctic capabilities. Unlike existing studies that focus on maritime operations and the Northern Sea Route, it integrates technical assessments of ground-based Arctic platforms with analysis of military-district reforms. Using a mixed methodology that incorporates equipment specifications, Russian government documents, media reports, and NATO strategic-response evaluations, this article constructs a comprehensive baseline understanding of Russia’s Arctic land-force potential and readiness. Policy and military practitioners will benefit from actionable insights into Arctic force-design …
From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 issue of Parameters. We open with two In Focus commentaries. The first, “A Case for Military Proportionality: Disabling Nuclear Plants” by Henry Sokolski, offers practical ways in which military planners can disable civilian targets, such as nuclear infrastructure, without undermining operational goals, alliance cohesion, or long-term political objectives. Our second commentary, “The Consequences of Declining Patriotism in the United States” by Neil N. Snyder, presents findings from a national survey showing a decline in patriotism, especially among Generation Z nonveterans. His article highlights a growing civil-military values gap with implications for recruitment and national …
From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
From The Editor In Chief, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Summer 2025 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Indo-Pacific Challenges, Russia-Ukraine Issues, and Historical Studies).
The Next National Defense Strategy: Mission-Based Force Planning, Frank G. Hoffman
The Next National Defense Strategy: Mission-Based Force Planning, Frank G. Hoffman
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
The Pentagon needs to embrace a new methodology called mission-based planning to size and shape the defense enterprise properly. This article critiques several proposals for reestablishing the long-standing two major theater war construct in the face of ongoing shifts in the strategic environment, including the nation’s $36 trillion debt and prospects of annual interest payments beyond $1 trillion. It presents a mission priority alternative focused on strategic prioritization based on the authors’ four decades of experience in strategy/force planning at the service, the department, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense levels. Strategic-level service planners and students of Joint …
China’S Role In A Future Korean War, Jake Rinaldi
China’S Role In A Future Korean War, Jake Rinaldi
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues that China’s intervention in a Korean conflict will hinge more on North Korea’s ability to hold territory than on bilateral ties. Rather than treat Chinese intervention as a yes-or-no proposition, this study models three scenarios—full intervention, sustained support, and limited support—based on North Korean resilience. Using Chinese-language sources and scenario-based analysis, it assesses how each model would shape key functional areas such as ISR, cyber, materiel, and force posture. The findings offer US defense planners a framework for anticipating variable People’s Liberation Army involvement in a future Korea contingency.
Parameters Summer 2025, Usawc Press
Parameters Summer 2025, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
Welcome to the Summer 2025 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Indo-Pacific Challenges, Russia-Ukraine Issues, and Historical Studies).
A More Perfect Peace: Can The Russia-Ukraine War End Justly?, Nathaniel B. Davis, Marlon A. Thomas
A More Perfect Peace: Can The Russia-Ukraine War End Justly?, Nathaniel B. Davis, Marlon A. Thomas
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
This article argues that thinking creatively about war termination, both philosophically and politically, utilizing jus post bellum principles and counterintuitive political trade-offs, reveals an opportunity to achieve a sustainable peace that approximates justice. The article surveys how war aims among belligerents have changed, indicating that further change is possible, particularly at the point of war termination. Next, the article examines jus post bellum principles and their application to the Russia-Ukraine War. Finally, the article contends that Ukraine relinquishing Crimea and the Donbas in exchange for NATO membership might be the key to achieving a durable peace that addresses long-term security.
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
Book Reviews, Usawc Press
The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters
No abstract provided.