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This thesis seeks lessons for modern grand strategy by examining the history of covert action as it was developed and incorporated into U.S. containment strategy between 1947 and 1960. While many scholars have written on both grand strategy and covert action, none have used covert action as a case study to examine how states incorporate new approaches into grand strategy while adapting to a shifting threat landscape and managing military escalation. This research reveals five lessons for strategists today. First, the underappreciated continuity in Truman and Eisenhower's approaches to covert action and the role it played in the success of containment. Second, how broad objectives and urgency can allow bottom-up initiatives to diverge from national interests. Third, strategic evaluation is essential to ensure objectives and operations remain aligned with interests. Fourth, the pitfall of attempting to replicate success by transferring methods to dissimilar environments. Finally, the difficulty in overcoming entrenched bureaucracy when crafting new strategic capabilities. Policymakers should particularly consider the pitfalls of broad objectives, strategic evaluation, and challenges of transferability as they seek lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Strategic competition once more makes the lessons of covert action timely as the U.S. attempts to manage escalation with Russia and counter PRC malign influence., Major, United States Air Force, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

A U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) funded study completed in 2017 found that U.S. special operations forces (SOF) have a 30% higher suicide rate than the U.S. military average. Nearly half of the twenty-nine suicide cases explored in the psychological autopsy study had a diagnosed mental health disorder. These findings underscore how suicide, and its contributing factors, are a growing threat to the health of the force and combat readiness across SOCOM. This thesis examined psychedelic-assisted therapy as a component of an overall holistic approach to addressing mental health conditions and combatting suicide across SOCOM. We reviewed two emerging psychedelic treatments for ameliorating mood and trauma-based mental health disorders, comparing them to two in-use novel therapies. Notwithstanding limits to existing data, our review found that psychedelic-assisted therapies show potential in three critical ways. There is a rapid and sustained decrease in disorder-related symptoms, exhibited efficacy in treatment-resistant cases, and minimal adverse events when administered in a controlled environment. Alone, no single weapon or piece of technology has ever won a war, and in a similar fashion, successful mental health treatment models for suicide prevention strategies require a multi-faceted approach. While psychedelic therapies are not a panacea for the mental health crisis within the military, they carry emended potential to be another tool for treatment and recovery., Major, United States Army, Major, United States Army, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

A gap exists in the United States military at the tactical level in organization, capabilities, and authorities to conduct operations in the information environment (OIE). This thesis identifies a potential solution by analyzing and applying lessons learned from air-ground integration: a dimension of warfare that was once a novel concept comparable to modern information, cyber, and space. Air-ground integration evolved from strategic reconnaissance in World War I to modern attack helicopters, hand-launched killer drones, and tactical joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs). Today, JTACs provide the ground commander with an air-ground integration expert at the tactical edge, equipped with lethal and nonlethal capabilities, and who falls under authorities that vary by location and type of operation. The JTAC qualification is recognized across the joint force and NATO and minimizes the number of pilots needed at ground units. This thesis argues that creating an information, cyber, and space equivalent to the JTAC could enable the joint force to more effectively conduct tactical OIE. This multi-domain terminal effects controller (MDTEC) would be jointly certified, qualified, and designated to advise ground commanders on the information environment, employ tactical information tools, and leverage joint information, cyber, and space assets to create effects., Master Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Scholars and policymakers continue to debate the ramifications of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure development in Africa. Some argue that China’s activities in Africa create mutual economic opportunities, while others postulate that Chinese presence on the continent simply advances Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interests. More granular research into specific countries is crucial to better assess this debate. Using a qualitative methodology, this thesis examines the financing and construction of Nigeria’s railways by Chinese companies in the 21st century. More broadly, it evaluates the regional context of Sino-African economic cooperation on infrastructure development. Through a close analysis of press and official reports as well as a review of scholarly work, this study establishes the ways, means, and consequences of China’s investment in Africa. Chinese FDIs have helped to strengthen infrastructure, power generation, and resource extraction industries in many African countries, though not without costs such as huge debt burdens and disadvantageous trade imbalances. This study documents that Chinese financing and construction of Nigeria’s railway system has generated local revenue and employment and has facilitated technology transfer in the country, but the engagement benefits China even more because it expands the CCP’s economic influence and reinforces the Sino-Nigerian political connection., Commander, Nigerian Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Foreign powers have competed for influence in Oceania since the 16th century. The region possesses strategic geography from which foreign states can project power throughout the Pacific and beyond. Since the turn of the century, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has increased its presence in Oceania and threatened the primacy enjoyed by the United States since the end of World War II. This thesis seeks to understand the PRC’s efforts at increasing its influence in Oceania and the potential ramifications of such actions. It first examines the historical foundation upon which modern Oceania is built, focusing on the role played by foreign powers. Next, it examines specific case studies in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Solomon Islands as each of these nations has very different relationships with the PRC and the United States. The thesis concludes with recommendations for the United States to counter PRC influence and suggests further research., Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

The American military’s reliance on manned airpower on the modern battlefield invites a critical vulnerability for great power adversaries to target with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. Modern efforts to increase combat effectiveness are incremental improvements to decades-old technology that fail to fundamentally change how the Joint Force fights in a contaminated environment. Ongoing military adoption of emerging commercial aviation technology could be readily leveraged to shore up this critical vulnerability. By presenting three articles intended to address distinct aspects of this capability, this capstone aims to demonstrate that unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can remove the aircrews from a dangerous and dirty task, preserving manned combat power for the broader war effort. However, the military must overcome both technical and cultural barriers for adoption to be successful. These barriers can be overcome by establishing and leveraging advocacy networks and tying innovative solutions to operational challenges. To ignore the promise that these future technologies present will risk remaining vulnerable to a credible threat in a future great power conflict., Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, Senior Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

“Coast Guards” or “Coastguards” (CG) have played a vital role in the maritime security systems of nations. The diversified utility of CGs by nations and the lack of an internationally accepted nomenclature for agencies bearing the name CG have given rise to complex issues related to these agencies. In this study, the rationales for developing a CG nomenclature model include enhancing maritime security cooperation, distinguishing CGs from naval classifications, fostering CG norms, and identifying the role of a CG in an armed conflict. To achieve this goal, the study performed a qualitative analysis of 15 CG agencies. Findings from the analysis revealed that key elements of the CG roles are civil maritime emergency response (MER) and maritime law enforcement (MLE). Based on the findings, a CG was defined as a maritime organization, assigned with the primary authority to undertake constabulary and emergency response operations within the maritime jurisdiction of a state. From this, the modeling process devised a CG hierarchical taxonomy to obtain a CG nomenclature, which includes military CGs (“Gray” model), civil-constabulary CGs (“Blue” model), and civil emergency response CGs (“White” model). The study achieved its objective of developing a practical CG nomenclature, which also fulfills the rationale behind developing a CG classification.

The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) proliferation of smart cities—integrated, government-controlled urban surveillance networks—has increased the persistent stare of surveillance technologies globally. While the place of smart cities in strategic competition has been studied, the capability of PRC smart cities to achieve military ends like Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) has yet to be explored by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The structure and capabilities of PRC smart cities reveal potential A2/AD threats and exploitation opportunities for AFSOC. Using the Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) as a model, this study suggests that PRC smart cities can function as IADS-like weapon systems, with a dispersed network of surveillance technologies integrated via a centralized control layer. PRC smart cities could produce at least two A2/AD threats to AFSOC: denial of aircraft entry to airspace and suppression of logistics and sustainment requirements (e.g., electricity and fuel). Conversely, AFSOC can exploit PRC smart cities using cyber-attacks—such as distributed denial of service and software manipulation—to preserve access and placement. This thesis concludes that AFSOC should pursue two lines of effort by investing in both: “living off the grid” independent of smart city infrastructure and new cyber technologies and tactics for Suppression of Enemy Information Systems—actions to disturb smart city command and control—to combat and exploit PRC smart cities.

A professional military is vital to civil-military relations and a healthy democracy. Moreover, while the military’s actions certainly impact its public image as a professional body, public perception is largely fashioned from the military’s depiction in the media. Additionally, a free press serves a crucial democratic role. The citizenry must be well-informed and powerful institutions must be held accountable by outside actors. But what is to be done when leading media institutions, meant to provide accountability, exercise their position to advance their own power and profit? Herein lies the problem. This thesis claims that the media narrative covering U.S. armed services impacts civil-military relations by favoring provocative depictions that negatively influence the public’s perception of military professionalism. Through analysis of three cases from the year 2020, this research provides evidence that coverage of the military typically conveys five themes: pity, reverence, disgust, incompetence, and partisanship. These themes exist in tension with Samuel Huntington’s notion of military professionalism, consisting of expertise, responsibility, and corporateness. Utilizing this model of professionalism and Chomsky and Herman’s propaganda model of communication, this study reveals that prominent media publications favor narratives that emphasize lapses in military professionalism, manifesting in warped popular perceptions and the degradation of civil-military relations., Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Reissued 14 Feb. 2022 to update text on page 48., Nowhere in the world exemplifies Great Power Competition as strongly as simmering conflict over Taiwan. Spanning over seven decades, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have sparred over the status of the island. Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) protests, over the last three presidential administrations, the U.S. has strengthened its support for Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. In addition to the U.S., the European Union and several countries in the Asia-Pacific region also strongly support an autonomous Taiwan. In response to what the CCP sees as foreign meddling in Chinese domestic affairs, the PRC has increased its hostilities against Taiwan while also attempting to reduce international support for the island's democracy. How can Taiwan maintain its autonomy despite the ever-increasing pressure from the much stronger PRC? Through analysis of Arreguin-Toft’s “How the Weak Wins Wars,” Fiala’s “Resistance Operating Concept,” NATO’s “Comprehensive Defense Handbook,” and Taiwan’s recent efforts to create an all-out defense, this thesis offers findings and recommendations based on employing irregular warfare to increase the population's resiliency and deter or repel a PRC invasion., Chief Warrant Officer Three, United States Army, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Although the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) has deployed worldwide to combat violent extremism and counter strategic competitors since 2006, it does not have a clear process to measure the effectiveness of tactical-level Civil Affairs Operations (CAO). A lack of measures of effectiveness (MOE) for CAO is due to several basic challenges: 1) Lack of a Civil Affairs doctrinal foundation for MOEs; 2) lack of clear mission statements for deploying teams to help formulate MOEs; 3) lack of effective internal and external Civil Affairs communications to standardize MOEs; and 4) lack of adequate personnel, training, funding, and analytic tools for Civil Affairs Teams (CAT) to monitor and evaluate MOEs. Based on 18 interviews with Civil Affairs practitioners—from senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) to field grade officers—this thesis examines the barriers that CATs face in developing and implementing MOEs during mission planning and execution. This thesis also provides recommendations for CATs and the Civil Affairs leadership to address and overcome these barriers by developing MOEs to evaluate tactical and operational mission progress. Furthermore, the authors identify deficiencies in doctrine and recommend the creation of doctrine-specific to SOF Civil Affairs., Major, United States Army, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) face a talent retention problem. They currently retain significantly less than their optimal officer manning after their O-3 Key Development positions. One of the main challenges is an impersonal talent management system. SOF organizations collect large amounts of data on their personnel that can be leveraged to address this problem. During assessment, selection, and follow-on training courses, organizations collect standardized psychological, academic, and performance data on each individual. This thesis proposes a “Talent Profile” that aggregates the assessment and training data into a succinct two-page report. This will aid in optimal billet assignment, mentorship, and personal professional development. This research does not establish any causative or predictive relationships between individual traits and success in specific SOF jobs or promotion potential. The Talent Profile relies on the psychological motivational concept of self-determination theory that seeks to address the innate human needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The Talent Profile consists of five main components: behavioral, interpersonal relationships, physical fitness, cognitive ability, and personal biographical information. The Talent Profile should travel with recent graduates to their gaining commander, and ultimately be used for periodic key billet selection boards to better adopt a “culture of assessments.”, Major, United States Marine Corps, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, U.S. policymakers and military professionals have dedicated significant attention to countering Russian offensive irregular warfare and political warfare threats. However, just as Russia has modernized its offensive irregular capabilities, it has also made significant strides in combatting asymmetric threats. Russia’s 2015 intervention in Syria demonstrated this advancement, as Russian-led Syrian forces successfully battled U.S.-backed groups and the Islamic State. If U.S. Special Forces (U.S. SF) and their allies intend to challenge near-peer adversaries abroad, then it is time to study the threat posed by a modern counter-irregular warfare (CIW) campaign. This study seeks to address the transformation of Russian CIW doctrine and methods from the Russian Federation’s invasion of Chechnya in 1994 up through its current activities in the North Caucasus, the Middle East, and beyond. By identifying key principles and capabilities from across these case studies, this project aims to develop an improved understanding of the threat U.S. SF and their partners would face executing unconventional warfare (UW) against Russia or its proxies. Such an understanding would inform threat-based training scenarios and enhance the Special Forces regiment’s understanding of how Green Berets might execute UW against a peer adversary., Major, United States Army, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

In February 2022, China will host the Winter Olympics in Beijing. During historical periods of international tension, nations use these types of mega-events as an extension of geopolitical competition to exercise soft power strategies and advance national interests. This thesis analyzes four Olympic case studies (2008 Beijing, 2010 Vancouver, 2012 London, and 2014 Sochi), using public international favorability polling to explore how Olympic hosts influence global perceptions and determine the measurable effects. Quantitative analysis of these factors reveals a strong correlation between increased international favorability ratings and hosting the Olympics, particularly when compared to non-Olympic hosted years. Considering the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and future mega-event bids, this thesis provides associated recommendations to support the U.S. national and defense strategy shift toward strategic competition. These suggestions focus on sports diplomacy; promoting the culture and values of the allied host nation vice host city; publicly refuting an adversary host's false strategic narrative via media and government channels; and solutions to increase allied Olympic bidding that mitigate historical adverse financial, social, and environmental effects. Lastly, the thesis provides a metric to track and analyze mega-event soft power effects to shape future strategy., Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Since the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was labeled a strategic competitor to the United States, it has become essential to understanding the strategy and expansion of its global influence. The PRC has the largest and fastest-growing navy in the world and intends to use it to support and protect its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the mechanism of global influence via infrastructure investment. The PRC’s efforts are expensive and widespread, creating an illusion of inevitability and success against the Western-controlled world order. This thesis examines PRC expansionism through a model built upon the concepts of Wei Qi, an ancient game that is won by having the most influence or control of the board, develops strategic thinking, and creates an understanding of an opponent’s interests and opportunities. The thesis applies the Wei Qi model to the nations of Australia and Djibouti, demonstrating its applicability to understanding the PRC’s global ambitions and strategic gains in areas where the United States is present. The Wei Qi model also highlights the limited effectiveness of the PRC’s economic-centric approach and provides holistic and balanced options for the United States to counter PRC expansionism., Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

This thesis explores the value of sabotage as a strategic tool in a multipolar world. More specifically, it examines if sabotage can play a role in imposing costs on competitors, limiting escalation, and shortening the duration of conflict. The return of multipolarity to the international system and the proliferation of advanced military capabilities has raised specters of doubt regarding conventional U.S. military methods of deterrence and coercion as well as the United States technological overmatch. This thesis argues that U.S. competitors' military technologies and capabilities possess a grave vulnerability in that they rely heavily on specific critical infrastructure that is difficult to protect and repair. If these critical pieces of infrastructure are affected, competitors are incapable of effectively fielding or employing their forces. Historical case study analysis is used to identify past sabotage campaigns’ impact on strategic operations, validate sabotage’s potential in the modern world, and identify best practices for employing saboteurs. Finally, this analysis suggests the revival of sabotage as an option for engaging with bellicose states., Outstanding Thesis, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

A professional military is vital to civil-military relations and a healthy democracy. Moreover, while the military’s actions certainly impact its public image as a professional body, public perception is largely fashioned from the military’s depiction in the media. Additionally, a free press serves a crucial democratic role. The citizenry must be well-informed and powerful institutions must be held accountable by outside actors. But what is to be done when leading media institutions, meant to provide accountability, exercise their position to advance their own power and profit? Herein lies the problem. This thesis claims that the media narrative covering U.S. armed services impacts civil-military relations by favoring provocative depictions that negatively influence the public’s perception of military professionalism. Through analysis of three cases from the year 2020, this research provides evidence that coverage of the military typically conveys five themes: pity, reverence, disgust, incompetence, and partisanship. These themes exist in tension with Samuel Huntington’s notion of military professionalism, consisting of expertise, responsibility, and corporateness. Utilizing this model of professionalism and Chomsky and Herman’s propaganda model of communication, this study reveals that prominent media publications favor narratives that emphasize lapses in military professionalism, manifesting in warped popular perceptions and the degradation of civil-military relations.

Nowhere in the world exemplifies Great Power Competition as strongly as simmering conflict over Taiwan. Spanning over seven decades, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have sparred over the status of the island. Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) protests, over the last three presidential administrations, the U.S. has strengthened its support for Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. In addition to the U.S., the European Union and several countries in the Asia-Pacific region also strongly support an autonomous Taiwan. In response to what the CCP sees as foreign meddling in Chinese domestic affairs, the PRC has increased its hostilities against Taiwan while also attempting to reduce international support for the island's democracy. How can Taiwan maintain its autonomy despite the ever-increasing pressure from the much stronger PRC? Through analysis of Arreguin-Toft’s “How the Weak Wins Wars,” Fiala’s “Resistance Operating Concept,” NATO’s “Comprehensive Defense Handbook,” and Taiwan’s recent efforts to create an all-out defense, this thesis offers findings and recommendations based on employing irregular warfare to increase the population's resiliency and deter or repel a PRC invasion.

Although the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) has deployed worldwide to combat violent extremism and counter strategic competitors since 2006, it does not have a clear process to measure the effectiveness of tactical-level Civil Affairs Operations (CAO). A lack of measures of effectiveness (MOE) for CAO is due to several basic challenges: 1) Lack of a Civil Affairs doctrinal foundation for MOEs; 2) lack of clear mission statements for deploying teams to help formulate MOEs; 3) lack of effective internal and external Civil Affairs communications to standardize MOEs; and 4) lack of adequate personnel, training, funding, and analytic tools for Civil Affairs Teams (CAT) to monitor and evaluate MOEs. Based on 18 interviews with Civil Affairs practitioners—from senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) to field grade officers—this thesis examines the barriers that CATs face in developing and implementing MOEs during mission planning and execution. This thesis also provides recommendations for CATs and the Civil Affairs leadership to address and overcome these barriers by developing MOEs to evaluate tactical and operational mission progress. Furthermore, the authors identify deficiencies in doctrine and recommend the creation of doctrine-specific to SOF Civil Affairs.

Disease has contributed to the reshuffling of the regional and global orders throughout history. Strangely, this variable has been neglected vis-à-vis Great Power Competition (GPC), creating a “plague gap” in the literature on international relations and transitions of power. In general, historians and political scientists connect power shifts to military clashes, diplomacy, or economic developments. Investigating the emergence and spread of novel diseases throughout time offers a new variable to the discussion. My findings explore how disease has factored into the decline of some empires (the Athenian, Roman, Byzantine, and Mongol empires) and the expansion of others (Spain and Great Britain). In GPC disease can be used as an instrument of conquest or as a collaborative tool of governance. Disease can weaken states’ abilities to compete economically and militarily with rivals. The ongoing GPC with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic provides yet another example of this pattern. My research suggests the possibility that COVID-19 will accelerate Chinese superiority and reshape the international order in the PRC’s favor. Consideration must be given to the inclusion of disease in determining national policy in GPC.

Since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, U.S. policymakers and military professionals have dedicated significant attention to countering Russian offensive irregular warfare and political warfare threats. However, just as Russia has modernized its offensive irregular capabilities, it has also made significant strides in combatting asymmetric threats. Russia’s 2015 intervention in Syria demonstrated this advancement, as Russian-led Syrian forces successfully battled U.S.-backed groups and the Islamic State. If U.S. Special Forces (U.S. SF) and their allies intend to challenge near-peer adversaries abroad, then it is time to study the threat posed by a modern counter-irregular warfare (CIW) campaign. This study seeks to address the transformation of Russian CIW doctrine and methods from the Russian Federation’s invasion of Chechnya in 1994 up through its current activities in the North Caucasus, the Middle East, and beyond. By identifying key principles and capabilities from across these case studies, this project aims to develop an improved understanding of the threat U.S. SF and their partners would face executing unconventional warfare (UW) against Russia or its proxies. Such an understanding would inform threat-based training scenarios and enhance the Special Forces regiment’s understanding of how Green Berets might execute UW against a peer adversary.

In February 2022, China will host the Winter Olympics in Beijing. During historical periods of international tension, nations use these types of mega-events as an extension of geopolitical competition to exercise soft power strategies and advance national interests. This thesis analyzes four Olympic case studies (2008 Beijing, 2010 Vancouver, 2012 London, and 2014 Sochi), using public international favorability polling to explore how Olympic hosts influence global perceptions and determine the measurable effects. Quantitative analysis of these factors reveals a strong correlation between increased international favorability ratings and hosting the Olympics, particularly when compared to non-Olympic hosted years. Considering the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and future mega-event bids, this thesis provides associated recommendations to support the U.S. national and defense strategy shift toward strategic competition. These suggestions focus on sports diplomacy; promoting the culture and values of the allied host nation vice host city; publicly refuting an adversary host's false strategic narrative via media and government channels; and solutions to increase allied Olympic bidding that mitigate historical adverse financial, social, and environmental effects. Lastly, the thesis provides a metric to track and analyze mega-event soft power effects to shape future strategy.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) face a talent retention problem. They currently retain significantly less than their optimal officer manning after their O-3 Key Development positions. One of the main challenges is an impersonal talent management system. SOF organizations collect large amounts of data on their personnel that can be leveraged to address this problem. During assessment, selection, and follow-on training courses, organizations collect standardized psychological, academic, and performance data on each individual. This thesis proposes a “Talent Profile” that aggregates the assessment and training data into a succinct two-page report. This will aid in optimal billet assignment, mentorship, and personal professional development. This research does not establish any causative or predictive relationships between individual traits and success in specific SOF jobs or promotion potential. The Talent Profile relies on the psychological motivational concept of self-determination theory that seeks to address the innate human needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The Talent Profile consists of five main components: behavioral, interpersonal relationships, physical fitness, cognitive ability, and personal biographical information. The Talent Profile should travel with recent graduates to their gaining commander, and ultimately be used for periodic key billet selection boards to better adopt a “culture of assessments.”

This thesis explores the value of sabotage as a strategic tool in a multipolar world. More specifically, it examines if sabotage can play a role in imposing costs on competitors, limiting escalation, and shortening the duration of conflict. The return of multipolarity to the international system and the proliferation of advanced military capabilities has raised specters of doubt regarding conventional U.S. military methods of deterrence and coercion as well as the United States technological overmatch. This thesis argues that U.S. competitors' military technologies and capabilities possess a grave vulnerability in that they rely heavily on specific critical infrastructure that is difficult to protect and repair. If these critical pieces of infrastructure are affected, competitors are incapable of effectively fielding or employing their forces. Historical case study analysis is used to identify past sabotage campaigns’ impact on strategic operations, validate sabotage’s potential in the modern world, and identify best practices for employing saboteurs. Finally, this analysis suggests the revival of sabotage as an option for engaging with bellicose states.

Since the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was labeled a strategic competitor to the United States, it has become essential to understanding the strategy and expansion of its global influence. The PRC has the largest and fastest-growing navy in the world and intends to use it to support and protect its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the mechanism of global influence via infrastructure investment. The PRC’s efforts are expensive and widespread, creating an illusion of inevitability and success against the Western-controlled world order. This thesis examines PRC expansionism through a model built upon the concepts of Wei Qi, an ancient game that is won by having the most influence or control of the board, develops strategic thinking, and creates an understanding of an opponent’s interests and opportunities. The thesis applies the Wei Qi model to the nations of Australia and Djibouti, demonstrating its applicability to understanding the PRC’s global ambitions and strategic gains in areas where the United States is present. The Wei Qi model also highlights the limited effectiveness of the PRC’s economic-centric approach and provides holistic and balanced options for the United States to counter PRC expansionism.

Appartient à l’ensemble documentaire : MssSGE1