7.4 Problems from Relying on Military Force to Maintain Peace
Problems from relying on military force to maintain peace include adverse side-effects and inability to produce stable solutions.
7.4.1 War Amongst the People
it is hard to win a war among the people, as many weapons aren’t suitable
7.4.2 Military Deterrence and Threats
the threat of mutually assured destruction is rarely convincing
7.4.3 The Security Impact of Propaganda
the use of military force generates headlines that increase resistance
7.4.4 UN Failure to Protect
military force is being used because the UN cannot work as intended
7.4.5 The Instability of an Imposed Solution
a victory on the battlefield is insufficient without a political solution
7.4.6 Economic Pressures on Military Activity
defence manufacturing is profitable, but armed forces and wars are costly
7.4.7 The Security Impact of Military Force
on balance, military force creates more problems than it solves
The next chapter examines the patterns of power that led to the decision to invade Iraq, and offers a retrospective view on its impact.