Citation

Mandel R. Armed Forces Soc. 2004; 30(4): 511-537.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0095327X0403000402

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent years nonlethal weaponry has become increasingly available for widespread application as a means of promoting national security. Among the fascinating questions raised by this development, the deterrence impact of nonlethal weaponry seems particularly ripe for scrutiny. After a background discussion of definition, motives, history, and dangers surrounding this trend, this article develops a set of highly tentative propositions about the conditions under which nonlethal weaponry is most beneficial and detrimental as an instrument of deterrence. It is hoped that these propositions provide guidance for policymakers in using this coercive instrument to manage domestic and foreign turmoil.

Language: en