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Military Force: Capabilities, Command, and Control

Military force serves as a crucial bargaining tool in international relations, although it is typically a last resort due to high associated costs. Different capabilities can be developed for varied purposes, with states focusing on defense, deterrence, and compellence based on their strategic interests. States face decisions on military spending relative to domestic needs, creating a tradeoff between military and domestic programs. Consequently, capability acquisition involves determining which defense sectors to prioritize and whether to focus on domestic production or arms imports.

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Military Force: Capabilities, Command, and Control

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  1. Military Force: Capabilities, Command, and Control PO 325: International Politics

  2. Capabilities • Force is a Very Important Bargaining Lever in IR; However, Because it is Costly, Force is Normally Viewed as a Last Resort in International Bargaining

  3. Capabilities • There are Different Capabilities That Can Be Developed and Used For Different Ends • Not All Capabilities Available to All States • Not All Capabilities Applicable in All Situations • Generally, States Develop Force Capabilities For Defense, Deterrence, and Compellence; the Ways in Which States Most Often Attempt to Exercise Power (Based on Interest) Determines Capability Goals

  4. Capabilities • There are Two General TYPES of Capabilities Available To States: • Conventional • Most Often Used (Looking at Today) • WMD • Very Rarely Used, But Have Been Used; Credible Threat of Use is International Bargaining Tool

  5. What Leads States to Acquire Particular Capabilities? • First Decision: How Much Should We Spend on Military Capabilities Relative to Domestic Necessities? • Often Determined By What Factors Are Most Important to States at a Given Time (International and Domestic Conditions and Threats) • GUNS vs. BUTTER TRADEOFF – What Is Spent on One Depletes the Other • Short-Term Results of Focus on Guns: General Economic Stimulation, But Neglect of Domestic Programs • Long-Term Results: Increases Available Military Leverage, But Decreases Overall Economic Health (Why?)

  6. What Leads States to Acquire Particular Capabilities? • Second Decision: Which Capabilities To Acquire? How To Get Them? • Normally Involves Devoting Portions of GNP to Military Spending, But Capabilities Can Be Acquired in Different Ways • Economically and Technologically Powerful: Determine Important Defense Sectors Based on Interests (e.g., US and Naval Forces) and Focus R&D There • Less Powerful: Arms Imports • Addresses Immediate Needs, But Depletes Needed Capital • Can Decrease Major Powers’ Advantage, But Incentive Exists to Export

  7. Conventional Forces • Utility and Applicability • Armies • Immediate Control and Defense of Territory • Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Land Mines • Navies • Operate in Non-Territorial Areas; Can Exercise Leverage (Blockade) • Used As Power Projectors (Symbolism, Transport of Troops)

  8. Conventional Forces • Air Forces • Support of Naval/Army Forces • Aerial Bombing as Strategic Incapacitator and Force Balancer • Intelligence and Logistics (Supplies, Information Gathering)

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