Accession Number:

ADA576028

Title:

Setting Global Defense Strategy in the Face of Uncertainty

Descriptive Note:

Research brief

Corporate Author:

RAND NATIONAL DEFENSE RESEARCH INST SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

2008-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

In todays fluid global security environment, assessing the costs, risks, and likely consequences of alternative national defense strategies is as difficult as it is essential. Two new companion RAND reports present an approach designed to help decisionmakers conduct disciplined strategic analysis before setting a strategy. Able to manage both uncertainty and differences of strategic perspective, the approach permits simultaneous comparison of the expected effectiveness, risks, and resource implications of proposed strategies. Three illustrative strategies are used to demonstrate how it works.

Descriptors:

• *DECISION MAKING
• *DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• *NATIONAL DEFENSE
• *STRATEGIC ANALYSIS
• *STRATEGY
• CHINA
• COST ANALYSIS
• INSURGENCY
• MILITARY CAPABILITIES
• RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
• RISK ANALYSIS
• SCENARIOS
• TERRORISM
• THREATS
• UNCERTAINTY

Subject Categories:

• Defense Systems
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE