The Dynamics of Coercion: American Foreign Policy and the Limits of Military Might (RAND Studies in Policy Analysis)

This book examines how the United States uses limited military force and other means to influence adversaries and potential adversaries. It reviews when limited force can and cannot work and examines a range of current challenges, including those of guerrilla groups or minor powers armed with nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. It also looks at the complications arising from domestic politics and the difficulties of using force in an alliance.

This book examines how the United States does, and should, use limited military force and other means of influencing adversaries and potential adversaries. It reviews when limited force can, and cannot, work. It examines a range of current challenges, including those of guerrilla groups, minor powers (e.g. Iraq) armed with nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. It also looks at the complications arising from domestic politics and the difficulties of using force in an alliance.