Accession Number:

ADA394184

Title:

Information & Nuclear RMA's Compared

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Libicki, Martin C.

Report Date:

1996-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

In many respects the current information-based Revolution in Military Affairs RMA echoes the earlier nuclear-based RMA. Both put conventional force structures at risk from more modem warfighting methods. Yet the Nuclear RMA did not make conventional forces obsolete. In the end, the nuclear RMA was unusable in a military context thus conventional superiority reemerged as important. By contrast, the Information RMA--with its ability to support precision warfare--is eminently usable. Moreover, the entry fee for getting into the game is very low innovations in warfighting may emerge from anywhere. Both RMAs were initially considered adjuncts to war. But the nuclear RMA transformed global politics by reinforcing the bipolar stalemate. Might the Information RMA do so A capability, for instance, to make the world transparent for ones own or other forces could alter the nature of presence, force projection, or coalition formation.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY MODERNIZATION
• *INFORMATION WARFARE
• NUCLEAR FORCES(MILITARY)
• MILITARY TACTICS

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE