Show of force
A show of force is a military operation intended to warn (such as a warning shot) or to intimidate an opponent by showcasing a capability or will to act if one is provoked. Shows of force may also be executed by police forces and other armed, non-military groups.
Function
Shows of force have historically been undertaken mostly by a military actor unwilling to engage in all-out hostilities, but fearing to 'lose face' (to appear weak). By performing a carefully calculated provocation, the opponent is to be shown that violent confrontation remains an option, and there will be no backing off on the principle that the show of force is to defend.[1]
Shows of force may be actual military operations, but in times of official peace, they may also be limited to military exercises.[2]
Shows of force also work on a smaller scale: military forces on a tactical level using mock attacks to deter potential opponents, especially when a real attack on suspected (but unconfirmed) enemies might harm civilians. As an example, most air "attacks" during
Notable examples
- Axe Murder Incident."
- Tamil Tigers two days after a previous unarmed effort which was mounted in the form of a small naval flotilla and was thwarted by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- 1996 presidential election.
- ECOWASforces surrounded Gambia's borders to deter resistance from the smaller Gambian army.
See also
References
- ^ "Israel in Gaza show of force". Al Jazeera. 29 June 2006.
- ^ Brookes, Peter (2 August 2004). "Show of Force". The Heritage Foundation. New York Post.
- ^ David Wood (13 July 2009). "Why Congress is at War with the Air Force to Save the F-22". Politics Daily. Archived from the original on 17 July 2009.