Military Force And Terrorism Flashcards
What is the significance of mutually assured destruction?
The term implies that the strategy, though reflecting “rationality,” actually is insane (mad) because deviations from rationality could destroy both sides
What is MAD?
Possession of second-strike capabilities by both sides is called Mutually Assured Destruction because neither side can prevent the other from destroying it.
Give an example of MAD
If India and Pakistan both have nucs, then both have a second-strike capability. Instead of launching a nuclear attack and loosing their missiles, they rather fight in a war. In effect, the nucs cancel each other out.
What is the military-civilian gap?
Tensions and differing views between civilian and military leaders.
How is the civilian-military gap relevant?
In the US, surveys show that military officers consistently have different opinions than civilians on issues such as the use of force as a tool of leverage
What is “civilian control of military?”
Doctrine in military and political science that places ultimate responsibility for a country’s strategic decision-making in the hands of the civilian political leadership, rather than professional military officers.
Why does “civilian control of military” matter?
Civilian control is often seen as a prerequisite feature of a stable, liberal democracy.
