Robbin Laird - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Robbin Laird

Abstract : This paper identifies a basic strategic dilemma for France. On the one hand, French le... more Abstract : This paper identifies a basic strategic dilemma for France. On the one hand, French leaders identify the political purpose of nuclear weapons as the defense of French territory or, at best, of France's 'vital interests'. On the other hand, a number of external pressures are inducing a need for France to provide a more explicit definition of the role of French nuclear weapons in the West European security system. In particular, the central tension in French doctrine revolves around the emphasis on protecting the national 'sanctuary' with nuclear weapons and the growing recognition of the need to include West Germany in the French security concept.

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science, 1984

De Gruyter eBooks, 1991

... In addition, our anthology complements collections of carefully selected and translated Sovie... more ... In addition, our anthology complements collections of carefully selected and translated Soviet writings such as Fred Schulze, ed., Soviet Foreign Policy Today: Reports and Commentaries from the Soviet Press, 4th ed. (Columbus, OH: Current Digest of the Soviet Press, 1990). ...

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

International Affairs, 1985

Toward a New Concept Air operations are a significant component of 21 st-century U.S. and allied ... more Toward a New Concept Air operations are a significant component of 21 st-century U.S. and allied joint and coalition operations. As fifth-generation aircraft enter service in larger numbers, they will generate not only greater firepower, but also significantly greater integrated capability for the nonkinetic use of aircraft 1 and an expanded use of connectivity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and computational capabilities built around a man-machine interface that will, in turn, shape the robotics and precision revolutions already under way. The capability of air assets to connect air, ground, and maritime forces throughout the battlespace can support the decisionmaking of ground and maritime command elements. Indeed, the command, control, communications, computers (C 4) and ISR envisaged in networked operations is becoming reshaped into C 4 and ISRD, whereby decisionmaking (D) is shared across the battlespace. Distributed information and decisionmaking will be enhanced as air operations become much more capable of providing information in support of the deployed decisionmaker, and kinetic and nonkinetic support elements can be cued in support of air, ground, and maritime combat requirements. A RAND Corporation brief on air combat issued in August 2008 generated debate about U.S. air capabilities in difficult future combat scenarios. 2 In particular, the F-35 came under scrutiny in much of the political and analytical coverage. The RAND brief and the reactions to it are a good starting point for discussion of the changing nature of air operations induced by the introduction of the new manned aircraft. The RAND analysts focused on a core challenge facing the Air Force in the 21 st century, namely, the evolving capabilities of competitors' air systems and counterair capabilities. In particular, the RAND study focused on a 2020 scenario over the Taiwan Strait in which Chinese forces sought to deny air superiority to the United Overview The evolution of 21 st-century air operations is unfolding under the impact of a new generation of fighter aircraft and a significant shift in the role of air operations in support of ground and maritime forces. So-called fifth-generation aircraft often are mistakenly viewed as simply the next iteration of airframes: fast, stealthy replacements of obsolescent legacy platforms. In fact, the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft, and their integration into a network-centric joint force, will change the roles of manned fighter aircraft in air, ground, and maritime operations. These changes are so far-reaching that the Services face the challenge of crafting a new concept of 21 st-century air operations, indeed, of all combat operations. Historically, fighter aircraft have operated mainly within the classic domain of air operations in the distinct roles of air superiority, air dominance, air defense, strike, and support. Numerous models and modifications of the first three generations of fighters were assigned separable tasks to be performed in sequence. (See box on the next page for a discussion of the five generations.) As the capabilities of fighters increased, the old distinctions blurred, particularly with the introduction of fourthgeneration, multirole fighters. Fifth-generation aircraft coming online now will transform the roles of all air elements, including legacy aircraft, and lead to a new concept of operations. Designed (or redesigned) and built in the information age, these aircraft take full advantage of and contribute to the networking of U.S. Armed Forces. The result is a fully capable distributed approach to air operations that enables the United States and its allies to support the full gamut of military missions. Multimission aircraft enable global multimission operations for U.S. joint forces. A 21 st-century Concept of Air and Military Operations

Abstract : This paper addresses the Soviet Unions's changing outlook on nuclear weapons and t... more Abstract : This paper addresses the Soviet Unions's changing outlook on nuclear weapons and the role they play. To assess these changes, this paper first surveys and analyzes the Soviet open-source literature dedicated to security issues, paying particular attention to the treatment of nuclear weapons issues. The notions of changing military doctrine, strategic parity and stability, sufficiency, arms control, and the use of nuclear weapons are all addressed. The second half of the paper makes a speculative assessment of what today's changes taking place in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union might mean for future thinking about nuclear weapons issues. Finally, the impact of future Soviet defense spending and the Soviet political leadership are examined as factors that will also influence Soviet security policy.

Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science, 1987

McNair Papers, Apr 1, 1999

General Considerations The RMA has emerged at a time when Western Europe is going through multipl... more General Considerations The RMA has emerged at a time when Western Europe is going through multiple transformations at once. Military strategy and associated technological change will occur within the context of the "new" Western Europe emerging out of these bundled changes. Military issues simply do not have a priority to be considered by themselves and are not at a high enough level in Western Europe to be considered an independent variable. Using the language of social science, the transformation of Western European militaries today and the influence of the RMA are dependent variables. The Western European model of development is undergoing profound historical change. The place of the Western European economy, culture, and polity within the process of globalization is at the core of this historic debate. How can Europe ensure a competitive place in the new global economy? Which changes are necessary to enhance competitiveness? Which legacies need to be overcome, transformed, or jettisoned? The impact of America and Asia upon Europe is a core part of the debate about the transformation of the European model. Meeting the challenge of the American economy, culture, and polity is a key driver for change in Europe today. The growing impact of Asia upon Europe is evident in the currency crisis; French and German banks and firms have been deeply affected. The decision to adopt a single currency zone for a number of key Western European States represents an historical watershed to be crossed. The emergence of a common currency, the "Euro," in 1999 will create the second largest economic grouping in the global economy. The Euro zone will overwhelmingly be the largest economic interlocutor with the United States. The requirements of a common currency will clearly drive economic restructuring and define political debates for many years to come. The twin processes of the emergence of the Euro zone and globalization of the economy will drive the transformation of high-technology industries within Western Europe. Partnerships within Europe and outside will significantly redesign the landscape within which technology policy is made and the operation of European firms and governments. The impact of organizational redesign in the United States and the restructuring in Asia in response to the currency crisis will accelerate change in Europe. The collapse of the Soviet Union left in place a Western European military posed to defend itself against a threat that increasingly had disappeared. Western European military forces, doctrines, and technology quickly appeared to be "legacy" systems, rather than core requirements for national defense. In response, the key states in Western Europe have all, in one form or the other, adopted force mobility and power projection as the new motif for the transformation of their militaries. There is little consensus upon what this means and what this requires, but the project to transform militaries to provide for power projection is clearly a driver for change. The RMA for Western European militaries is confluence of several challenges. First, there is the need for individual European states to come to terms with the United States and other European allies in reshaping the military instrument. No Western European State has the economic capacity and will to shape a national response to the RMA. The inter-allied dynamic--European and trans-Atlantic--is a core aspect of a Western European RMA. Second, the challenge of combining the transformation of European high-technology industry with new technologies for the military is central as well. As Europe shifts from "legacy" systems to new ones, how will European governments redesign their procurement systems, force structure choices, R&D processes, and working relationship with industry (in Europe, the United States, and Asia)? How does globalization of technology industries affect strategic choices in the domain of military technology? …

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Political Science Quarterly, 1983

M-uEIC reporting ouroan for mis coiection or inyormaaion is estimatea to average I1hour per respo... more M-uEIC reporting ouroan for mis coiection or inyormaaion is estimatea to average I1hour per response. iouaing 15 tme Tor rev ignstuctions, uarcn n existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the da~ta needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding is burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services,

Abstract : This paper identifies a basic strategic dilemma for France. On the one hand, French le... more Abstract : This paper identifies a basic strategic dilemma for France. On the one hand, French leaders identify the political purpose of nuclear weapons as the defense of French territory or, at best, of France's 'vital interests'. On the other hand, a number of external pressures are inducing a need for France to provide a more explicit definition of the role of French nuclear weapons in the West European security system. In particular, the central tension in French doctrine revolves around the emphasis on protecting the national 'sanctuary' with nuclear weapons and the growing recognition of the need to include West Germany in the French security concept.

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science, 1984

De Gruyter eBooks, 1991

... In addition, our anthology complements collections of carefully selected and translated Sovie... more ... In addition, our anthology complements collections of carefully selected and translated Soviet writings such as Fred Schulze, ed., Soviet Foreign Policy Today: Reports and Commentaries from the Soviet Press, 4th ed. (Columbus, OH: Current Digest of the Soviet Press, 1990). ...

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

International Affairs, 1985

Toward a New Concept Air operations are a significant component of 21 st-century U.S. and allied ... more Toward a New Concept Air operations are a significant component of 21 st-century U.S. and allied joint and coalition operations. As fifth-generation aircraft enter service in larger numbers, they will generate not only greater firepower, but also significantly greater integrated capability for the nonkinetic use of aircraft 1 and an expanded use of connectivity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and computational capabilities built around a man-machine interface that will, in turn, shape the robotics and precision revolutions already under way. The capability of air assets to connect air, ground, and maritime forces throughout the battlespace can support the decisionmaking of ground and maritime command elements. Indeed, the command, control, communications, computers (C 4) and ISR envisaged in networked operations is becoming reshaped into C 4 and ISRD, whereby decisionmaking (D) is shared across the battlespace. Distributed information and decisionmaking will be enhanced as air operations become much more capable of providing information in support of the deployed decisionmaker, and kinetic and nonkinetic support elements can be cued in support of air, ground, and maritime combat requirements. A RAND Corporation brief on air combat issued in August 2008 generated debate about U.S. air capabilities in difficult future combat scenarios. 2 In particular, the F-35 came under scrutiny in much of the political and analytical coverage. The RAND brief and the reactions to it are a good starting point for discussion of the changing nature of air operations induced by the introduction of the new manned aircraft. The RAND analysts focused on a core challenge facing the Air Force in the 21 st century, namely, the evolving capabilities of competitors' air systems and counterair capabilities. In particular, the RAND study focused on a 2020 scenario over the Taiwan Strait in which Chinese forces sought to deny air superiority to the United Overview The evolution of 21 st-century air operations is unfolding under the impact of a new generation of fighter aircraft and a significant shift in the role of air operations in support of ground and maritime forces. So-called fifth-generation aircraft often are mistakenly viewed as simply the next iteration of airframes: fast, stealthy replacements of obsolescent legacy platforms. In fact, the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft, and their integration into a network-centric joint force, will change the roles of manned fighter aircraft in air, ground, and maritime operations. These changes are so far-reaching that the Services face the challenge of crafting a new concept of 21 st-century air operations, indeed, of all combat operations. Historically, fighter aircraft have operated mainly within the classic domain of air operations in the distinct roles of air superiority, air dominance, air defense, strike, and support. Numerous models and modifications of the first three generations of fighters were assigned separable tasks to be performed in sequence. (See box on the next page for a discussion of the five generations.) As the capabilities of fighters increased, the old distinctions blurred, particularly with the introduction of fourthgeneration, multirole fighters. Fifth-generation aircraft coming online now will transform the roles of all air elements, including legacy aircraft, and lead to a new concept of operations. Designed (or redesigned) and built in the information age, these aircraft take full advantage of and contribute to the networking of U.S. Armed Forces. The result is a fully capable distributed approach to air operations that enables the United States and its allies to support the full gamut of military missions. Multimission aircraft enable global multimission operations for U.S. joint forces. A 21 st-century Concept of Air and Military Operations

Abstract : This paper addresses the Soviet Unions's changing outlook on nuclear weapons and t... more Abstract : This paper addresses the Soviet Unions's changing outlook on nuclear weapons and the role they play. To assess these changes, this paper first surveys and analyzes the Soviet open-source literature dedicated to security issues, paying particular attention to the treatment of nuclear weapons issues. The notions of changing military doctrine, strategic parity and stability, sufficiency, arms control, and the use of nuclear weapons are all addressed. The second half of the paper makes a speculative assessment of what today's changes taking place in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union might mean for future thinking about nuclear weapons issues. Finally, the impact of future Soviet defense spending and the Soviet political leadership are examined as factors that will also influence Soviet security policy.

Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science, 1987

McNair Papers, Apr 1, 1999

General Considerations The RMA has emerged at a time when Western Europe is going through multipl... more General Considerations The RMA has emerged at a time when Western Europe is going through multiple transformations at once. Military strategy and associated technological change will occur within the context of the "new" Western Europe emerging out of these bundled changes. Military issues simply do not have a priority to be considered by themselves and are not at a high enough level in Western Europe to be considered an independent variable. Using the language of social science, the transformation of Western European militaries today and the influence of the RMA are dependent variables. The Western European model of development is undergoing profound historical change. The place of the Western European economy, culture, and polity within the process of globalization is at the core of this historic debate. How can Europe ensure a competitive place in the new global economy? Which changes are necessary to enhance competitiveness? Which legacies need to be overcome, transformed, or jettisoned? The impact of America and Asia upon Europe is a core part of the debate about the transformation of the European model. Meeting the challenge of the American economy, culture, and polity is a key driver for change in Europe today. The growing impact of Asia upon Europe is evident in the currency crisis; French and German banks and firms have been deeply affected. The decision to adopt a single currency zone for a number of key Western European States represents an historical watershed to be crossed. The emergence of a common currency, the "Euro," in 1999 will create the second largest economic grouping in the global economy. The Euro zone will overwhelmingly be the largest economic interlocutor with the United States. The requirements of a common currency will clearly drive economic restructuring and define political debates for many years to come. The twin processes of the emergence of the Euro zone and globalization of the economy will drive the transformation of high-technology industries within Western Europe. Partnerships within Europe and outside will significantly redesign the landscape within which technology policy is made and the operation of European firms and governments. The impact of organizational redesign in the United States and the restructuring in Asia in response to the currency crisis will accelerate change in Europe. The collapse of the Soviet Union left in place a Western European military posed to defend itself against a threat that increasingly had disappeared. Western European military forces, doctrines, and technology quickly appeared to be "legacy" systems, rather than core requirements for national defense. In response, the key states in Western Europe have all, in one form or the other, adopted force mobility and power projection as the new motif for the transformation of their militaries. There is little consensus upon what this means and what this requires, but the project to transform militaries to provide for power projection is clearly a driver for change. The RMA for Western European militaries is confluence of several challenges. First, there is the need for individual European states to come to terms with the United States and other European allies in reshaping the military instrument. No Western European State has the economic capacity and will to shape a national response to the RMA. The inter-allied dynamic--European and trans-Atlantic--is a core aspect of a Western European RMA. Second, the challenge of combining the transformation of European high-technology industry with new technologies for the military is central as well. As Europe shifts from "legacy" systems to new ones, how will European governments redesign their procurement systems, force structure choices, R&D processes, and working relationship with industry (in Europe, the United States, and Asia)? How does globalization of technology industries affect strategic choices in the domain of military technology? …

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Routledge eBooks, Jul 11, 2019

Political Science Quarterly, 1983

M-uEIC reporting ouroan for mis coiection or inyormaaion is estimatea to average I1hour per respo... more M-uEIC reporting ouroan for mis coiection or inyormaaion is estimatea to average I1hour per response. iouaing 15 tme Tor rev ignstuctions, uarcn n existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the da~ta needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding is burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services,