McNair Paper 62, The Revenge of the Melians:  Asymmetric Threats and the next QDR, November 2000

Contents

Forward

Introduction

CHAPTER ONE   |   What is Asymmetric Warfare

Defining Asymmetry--Characteristics: Disparity of Interest--
Targeting the Will of the Opponent--Attaining Strategic
Effect on All Levels of War--The Importance of Effectiveness--
The Threat-Response Dynamic--A Final Example: The
Gulf Tanker War--Conclusions

CHAPTER TWO   |   A Typology of Asymmetry: What, Who, and When

The What: The Range of Potential Asymmetric Threats--
The Who: Regional, Rogue, and Nonstate Actors--The
When: Likelihood During Phases of a Crisis--Conclusions

CHAPTER THREE   |   Looking in the Mirror: Where Are Our
Asymmetric Vulnerabilities

Measuring Conventional Military Superiority--Examining
the Homeland--Quantifying the Homeland: What Are
the Targets?--Examining Potential Vulnerabilities

CHAPTER FOUR   |   Categorizing the Threats

What Are the Ten Asymmetric Threats?--Conclusions

CHAPTER FIVE   |   An Option of Difficulties--Countering
Asymmetric Threats

Current Initiatives: The State of Play Today--Summarizing
Current Initiatives--Doing Better: Beginning with Three
Ideas--Policy Recommendations--An Option of Difficulties?

CHAPTER SIX   |   Conclusions: The Uneasy Athenians

Endnotes


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