Lethality: An Inquiry
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By Olivia Garard
November 01, 2018
The U.S. National Defense Strategy can be summed up in one word: lethality. “A more lethal, resilient, and rapidly innovating Joint Force, combined with a robust constellation of allies and partners, will sustain American influence and ensure favorable balances of power that safeguard the free and open international order.â€[1] This vision is admirable and cogent, but the central tenet is never defined. What is lethality? Traditionally, lethality has been a tactical concept. We talk of lethal dose, lethal weapons, and lethal force. But in the National Defense Strategy lethality is strategically elevated. Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan’s recent tweet reinforced this ascension: “Everything we do is geared toward one goal: maximizing lethality. A lethal force is the strongest deterrent to war.â€[2] Why?
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2018/11/01/lethality_an_inquiry_113931.html
