Eliminating Adversary WMD: Lessons for Future Conflicts

Authors

Rebecca K.C. Hersman, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, National Defense University
Todd M. Koca, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, National Defense University

Files

Description

The failure to find substantial evidence of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons in Iraq has exposed serious weaknesses in the U.S. understanding of the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat posed by its adversaries and in its ability to deal with these threats. A rancorous and highly politicized debate, primarily about the intelligence assessments of Iraqi WMD capabilities before Operation Iraqi Freedom, has dominated the national discussion of WMD in Iraq for months. Although Iraqi WMD capabilities remain elusive and, in- deed, weapons may never be found, elimination operations conducted there provide important lessons.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Topic(s)

Arms Control and Nonproliferation, National Security, Defense Policy

Publication Date

10-2004

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

eliminating adversary WMD, counter-WMD strategy, weapons of mass destruction lessons learned, WMD proliferation challenges, future conflict planning, nonproliferation policy, defense against WMD threats, strategic deterrence, national security strategy, defense planning against WMD

Recommended Citation

Hersman, Rebecca K.C. and Koca, Todd M., "Eliminating Adversary WMD: Lessons for Future Conflicts" (2004). Strategic Forums. 101.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-forums/101