Original scientific paper

Defense Strategy and War in Croatia

Siniša Tatalović ; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Defense strategy is a critical component of the politics of national security which includes the political/military chain of resources, goals and the theory of a given country on how to best "carry out" security for itself. ideally, this includes an explanation of why that theory is expected to function. The defense strategy as a component of the politics of national security must identify possible threats for the country and must invent political, economic, military and other means for elimination of these threats. Considering possible responses, defense strategies can be grouped into three categories: offensive, defensive and deterent. The goal of offensive strategies is to disarm the opponent - to destroy his armed forces. The goal of defensive strategy is to not allow the opponent to reach his desired objectives. The detterent strategy punishes the attacker (aggressor) - it increases his costs although it does not decrease one's own. In the creation and development of an army and defense system in Croatia, a defense strategy is profiled which bounded by the three possibilites outlined above, and limited by the following factors: the national strategy, the military strategy of the opponent, and international pressure. These factors are discussed in greater detail with the aim of determining their influence upon the Republic of Croatia's defense strategy, and general defense strategies.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

111079

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/111079

Publication date:

1.2.1994.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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