The purpose of this paper was to explore airpower's coercive capabilities in counter-insurgency operations. Traditional theories hold that airpower is not as effective in fighting a COIN due to its primarily kinetic applications. Using a less familiar definition of coercion allows addressing the non-kinetic capabilities airpower brings to the fight. Based on two case studies, the Greek Civil War and the Malayan Emergency, this paper argues that airpower presents sovereign options to the nation for fighting a COIN. As with any conflict, an understanding of the political and historical perspective, and the overall strategy involved in both conflicts allows for a greater understanding of the direct impact airpower had on these insurgencies. While kinetic operations occurred in both cases, airlift, air mobility, ISR, psychological warfare, and medical evacuation are additional uses of airpower capable of coercing insurgents. Applying these lessons from the past to the present Global War on Terror, this paper gives credence to the ability of airpower to contribute to the Grand Strategy to win this long war.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
