2 Jan 2015

Future Trends and US National Security

The study of the future is difficult. Political, social, economic, technological, environmental, and military trends create enormous pressures that drive the patterns and currents that shape the future. All of the research methods—quantitative or qualitative—expand what we know about the present to help us understand what the future may bring. The research theses in this book attempt to develop future visions which offer insights into long-range strategies, policies, and plans that will augment and prepare US national security policy for a spectrum of uncertain futures. These theses help us anticipate opportunities and threats and consider how to address them. [John T. Ackerman, Lt Col (ret), and Kathleen Mahoney-Norris, Col (ret), eds. / 2015 / 302 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-242-5 / AU Press Code: B-137] Read This Book Now

1 Nov 2014

The Air Commanders' Perspectives

This compendium presents a candid and comprehensive commentary on what worked and what did not work during NATO air operations in Afghanistan. The key to the book’s value is revealed in its subtitle. Editor Dag Henriksen has compiled the perspectives of nine general officers who served in top airpower leadership positions in Afghanistan during the 2005–10 time frame. Since most were retired at the time of their writing, they were free to call it as they saw it. The result is not a condemnation of any particular group or strategy, but rather an objective review of lessons learned and recommendations for how joint and combined forces can better work together in a counterinsurgency or counterterrorism environment. Henriksen compiled this work while serving as an exchange officer to the US Air Force Research Institute (AFRI), Maxwell AFB, Alabama, in 2012. [Dag Henriksen / 2014 / 340 pages /

1 Jun 2014

An Approach toward an Asia-Pacific Strategy, 2012 to 2020

This regionally focused study is written at the strategic level to inform and guide US Air Force leadership over the next eight years. Further, the study is designed to provide an overarching strategy for the service as the nation rebalances from Europe and Southwest Asia to the Asia-Pacific region. In accordance with the direction from the chief of staff, the study’s time frame lies outside the Future Year Defense Program and does not address programmatic issues. Although it takes into account the Air Force’s worldwide commitments, the study is not a global strategy. Neither is it solely about China. The research team recognized China’s significance but more broadly addresses the Asia-Pacific region from India to the Americas. Accordingly, the team focused on the major nation-states of Russia, China, and India, as well as the lesser states of Japan, the Koreas, Singapore, Vietnam, the

1 Jun 2014

Interagency Regional Foreign Policy Implementation

This is a must read for those involved in developing foreign policy or directing contingency and/or peacekeeping operations in the field. Colonel Pope applies his experience with the CIA and USCENTCOM, among other assignments, to enlighten his examination of the multiagency structure that plans, synchronizes, and executes US foreign policy at the regional level. Pope wades through the myriad of interagency structures to analyze current practices and how they are viewed internally by the agencies and individuals involved as well as how they appear to those most affected—our friends and foes in the respective regions. The need for process improvement is well illustrated through his examination of how the interagency worked or did not work during contingency operations from Vietnam through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The author proposes a reform model and discusses how it can best be

1 May 2014

Defending Air Bases in an Age of Insurgency

This anthology discusses the converging operational issues of air base defense and counterinsurgency. It explores the diverse challenges associated with defending air assets and joint personnel in a counterinsurgency environment. The authors are primarily Air Force officers from security forces, intelligence, and the office of special investigations, but works are included from a US Air Force pilot and a Canadian air force officer. The authors examine lessons from Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts as they relate to securing air bases and sustaining air operations in a high-threat counterinsurgency environment. The essays review the capabilities, doctrine, tactics, and training needed in base defense operations and recommend ways in which to build a strong, synchronized ground defense partnership with joint and combined forces. The authors offer recommendations on the

1 Dec 2013

Thinking about Deterrence

With many scholars and analysts questioning the relevance of deterrence as a valid strategic concept, this volume moves beyond Cold War nuclear deterrence to show the many ways in which deterrence is applicable to contemporary security. It examines the possibility of applying deterrence theory and practice to space, to cyberspace, and against non-state actors. It also examines the role of nuclear deterrence in the twenty-first century and reaches surprising conclusions. [Adam Lowther / 2013 / 345 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-227-2 / AU Press Code: B-133] Read This Book Now

1 Dec 2013

Strategies for Resolving the Cyber Attribution Challenge

Strategies for Resolving the Cyber Attribution Challenge Panayotis A. Yannakogeorgos  Technical challenges are not a great hindrance to global cyber security cooperation; rather, a nation’s lack of cybersecurity action plans that combine technology, management procedures, organizational structures, law, and human competencies into national security strategies are. Strengthening international partnerships to secure the cyber domain will require understanding the technical, legal, and defense challenges faced by our international partners. Identifying the gaps in international cooperation and their socioeconomic and political bases will provide the knowledge required to support our partners’ cybersecurity and contribute to building a cyber environment less hospitable to misuse. It will also help US policy makers to determine the appropriate escalation of

1 Jul 2013

Airpower and the Environment

With insightful and innovative chapters written by experts in various disciplines, this book chronicles and analyzes the effects of airpower on the environment. It also highlights the fact that military forces now take far more care of the environment than ever before and that many militaries, even in less developed regions such as central Africa, have developed strategies to minimize all harm and even to do environmentally beneficial activities. This book reveals that some military forces, utilizing the speed, reach, and intelligence-gathering capabilities of air assets, are providing highly positive contributions to conservation efforts and the maintenance and protection of ecological protection zones. This is a positive story and it brings richness and variety to this seminal collection of essays. The Library Journal put Airpower and the Environment on its 2013 Notable Government

1 May 2013

The Asia-Pacific Century

When Secretary of State Hillary Clinton published “America’s Pacific Century” in Foreign Policy magazine in November 2011, the administration was clearly indicating to domestic and international audiences that the United States is beginning a pivot toward the Asia-Pacific. Clinton’s article served as a spark for renewed interest in the nation’s Asia-Pacific strategy and American interests in the region. This work looks to the future of the Asia-Pacific and examines a broad range of questions that focus on diplomatic, economic, and military challenges facing the region’s key players, with a particular focus on their relevance to the US military. [Adam Lowther, Editor / 2013 / 270 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-224-1 / AU Press Code: B-132] Read This Book Now

1 Nov 2012

Bomber

Noted historian and retired USAF Col Phillip Meilinger’s Bomber traces the development of Strategic Air Command in parallel with a fledgling independent Air Force amid the drama of the Cold War. This well-documented history captures not only lessons learned in strategy, leadership, and budgetary crises, but also the personalities and politics that made the Air Force what it is today. More than 50 historic photos help bring this exciting story to life. [Phillip Meilinger / 2012 / 373 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-219-7 / AU Press Code: B-127] Read This Book Now