Military Force as a Tool of Foreign Policy

Summary

In this video, Noah Zerbe explores the use of military force as a tool of foreign policy, discussing its placement on the spectrum of coercion. He covers symbolic deployments, alliances, deterrence, military enforcement of sanctions, targeted strikes, peacekeeping, and unconventional warfare. Zerbe also touches on the limitations of military force, including its high costs, political implications, and the challenges of bluffing in international relations.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The video discusses various tools of foreign policy, focusing on the use of military force as a strategic instrument.
• ⚔️ Military force can be used symbolically, such as air patrols near borders, to demonstrate commitment or assert sovereignty.
• 🌎 Examples include Russia's air patrols near US airspace and the US Navy's freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea.
• 🤝 Troop deployments can serve as a show of support to allied governments and a deterrent to potential adversaries.
• 🏰 Historically, US troops in Germany during the Cold War and currently in South Korea exemplify this strategy.
• 🤝 Formal alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact, as well as mutual defense pacts, are part of foreign policy to ensure collective security.
• 🔄 Joint military exercises, such as those between the US and South Korea, symbolize mutual commitment and readiness.
• ⚖️ The concept of deterrence, particularly in nuclear politics, aims to dissuade aggression by demonstrating the high costs of conflict.
• 🚫 Military force can enforce economic sanctions through blockades or no-fly zones, as seen during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Libyan revolution.
• 🎯 Targeted strikes, often conducted by drones, allow for precise military action against specific high-value targets.
• 🛡️ Peacekeeping and post-conflict stabilization missions are ways military forces contribute to global stability and security.
• 🔥 Unconventional warfare, including special forces operations, can involve training and advising local forces to destabilize enemy governments.
• ⚠️ The use of military force carries significant costs and risks, and its effectiveness varies depending on the situation and political context.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video series that Noah Zerbe is introducing?

The primary focus of the video series is to explore different instruments of foreign policy, specifically looking at how governments use various tools to achieve their foreign policy goals.

How does the video categorize the use of military force in foreign policy?

The video categorizes the use of military force as a tool of foreign policy that falls towards the more coercive end of the spectrum of coercion or violence.

What is an example of symbolic military deployment without the intention of using force?

Russia regularly flies air patrols near US airspace without actually entering it, forcing the US to respond with patrols of its own, which is a symbolic commitment without immediate intention to use force.

What is the purpose of conducting 'freedom of navigation operations' as mentioned in the video?

Freedom of navigation operations, such as those conducted by the US Navy in the South China Sea, are meant to reinforce the claim that certain regions are subject to international protections and not the sovereign territory of any one country.

Can you explain the concept of 'deterrence' in the context of foreign policy as discussed in the video?

Deterrence refers to efforts to dissuade an adversary from taking aggressive action by convincing them that the costs of such action would outweigh any potential gains.

What is brinksmanship and how was it used during the Cold War?

Brinksmanship is a strategy where one side pushes the other to the line of direct confrontation, hoping they will back down. It was a common feature of US-Soviet engagement during the Cold War.

How does the video describe the use of military force to enforce economic sanctions?

The video describes the use of military force to enforce economic sanctions through methods like naval blockades or the enforcement of no-fly zones.

What is the significance of the 'Operation Foal Eagle' mentioned in the video?

Operation Foal Eagle is an annual combined field training exercise between the United States and South Korea, symbolizing their mutual defense commitment and often involving a large scale of military assets.

How does the video discuss the use of targeted strikes in foreign policy?

The video discusses targeted strikes as a form of direct military application to achieve foreign policy goals, with examples like drone strikes used to eliminate high-value targets.

What are some criticisms mentioned in the video regarding the use of drone strikes?

The video mentions two main criticisms of drone strikes: the lack of legal due process for those targeted, which may include US citizens, and the potential for higher collateral damage and civilian deaths than reported.

What is the role of military forces in peacekeeping and post-conflict situations according to the video?

Military forces can play a role in peacekeeping and post-conflict situations by maintaining peace, assisting in rebuilding, and providing stability, often through UN peacekeeping operations or independent initiatives.