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Description

This Strategic Forum paper examines the Bush administration’s evolving concept of preemptive action in the post-9/11 security environment. It analyzes the strategic rationale behind the emphasis on preemption—particularly concerns about rogue states, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD)—and distinguishes between preemptive and preventive uses of force. The author explores historical precedents, legal and ethical considerations, operational requirements, and the potential military and political consequences of preemptive action. The paper argues that while preemption remains a legitimate option in extreme circumstances, especially where WMD threats are imminent, its application requires careful evaluation of intelligence reliability, proportionality, alliance cohesion, and long-term strategic effects. Ultimately, it concludes that preemptive military action is likely to remain a rare but important tool of U.S. national strategy, to be used judiciously and only under narrowly defined conditions.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

United States, Middle East

Topic(s)

National Security, Defense Policy, Nuclear Policy

Publication Date

7-2003

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

preemptive action, preventive war, national security strategy, weapons of mass destruction, rogue states, terrorism, deterrence, U.S. defense policy, just war theory, homeland security

Preemptive Action: When, How, and to What Effect?

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