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The purpose of this paper is to provide a better conceptualization of insurgent strategies. Specifically, I shall examine Che Guevara's "Foco" theory of insurgency, as it is one of the most theoretically popular and most pervasive strategies of insurgency currently practiced throughout the world. After briefly examining the origins, objectives and theoretical strengths of the Foco (also known as the Vanguard Theory) theory, I will argue that Guevara's theory suffers from an internal tension that I term the "Vanguard's Dilemma." Simply put, the Vanguard's dilemma is a decision insurgents must make between the desire to maintain a secure base away from the reach of government control (security) versus the need to be in constant contact with the population in order to increase its popularity (publicity). The significance of this dilemma between the desire for security and the need for publicity creates a tension within the Vanguard Theory that can be fatal for insurgents if properly exploited by counter-insurgent operations. This paper will examine in detail this dilemma and show how it can be exploited. Given that several insurgent groups within Iraq currently adhere to the Vanguard Theory of insurgency, a proper understanding of insurgent strategy is an essential first step in the long road towards confronting and winning asymmetrical conflicts. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contrasts the factors that shape soft line US security strategy in Northeast Asia with its hard line strategy in the Persian Gulf. There are structural constraints that moderate the US policy toward North Korea. These are: US-Japanese alliances, US-South Korea economic relationship, and rising China. The US policy towards Iraq, on the other hand, is hardened by the US concern to guarantee the continuous flow of oil and by its relationship with Israel. Consequently, the US has adopted appeasement and engagement policies in northeast Asia while containment, regime change, and war resolution in the Persian Gulf. The US policy in these two regions has generated a number of challenges that neither the US nor the international community is sure yet how to address them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What accounts for congressional assertion or lack thereof in national security policy after World War II? The author argues assertion is a function of the degree of congressional access to critical intelligence. Two case studies have been chosen to illuminate this poorly theorized issue area: The covert CIA operation in Angola which Congress shut down in 1975 and the 2002 Resolution authorizing President Bush to use force against Iraq. Furthermore, this paper seeks to test the waters for a more encompassing theory of Congress and national security policy that looks at presidential prestige and its consequences for the legislative-executive power-ratio in foreign and defense policy. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhetorical analysis of past statements from officials in the Bush administration, both in the U.S. and in Iraq, emphasize the challenges that the new administration will have to face in reformulating a foreign policy to make the U. S. more secure. That new administration may need to transform an assertive unilateral foreign policy to one that uses the power of language without alienating our allies in the international community. Language will be key in maximizing our national security without appearing to neglect the national security of other nations. Pickering, Crocker and Yost point out that our margin for error has narrowed, so our ability to communicate a policy more effectively and more credibly is critical. Kegley and Raymond speak of America’s deep footprint and primacy which will require that we repair relations with traditional allies and chart a path for restoring America’ reputation and leadership globally. Brzezinski reminds us how different the world is now compared to only a decade ago. Studying the rhetoric of the past six years can help us avoid similar self-defeating strategies in the future. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the recent collisions of US and Turkish foreign policies, I examine the role of identity and power in pursuing state security interests against terrorism. The case of the Kurds and PKK in Iraq provides an important puzzle for IR Theory. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]