THE ROLE OF PUBLIC OPINION ON TROOP FOOTPRINT IN MILITARY CONFLICTS
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Authors
Jackson, Tyler
Subjects
public opinion
poll
footprint
policy
war
poll
footprint
policy
war
Advisors
Borer, Douglas A.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to expand upon existing studies regarding public opinion and the global use of American military forces by focusing on troop footprints in various historical conflicts. This thesis addresses the specific question of how public opinion affects decisions made about troop footprints in wars overseas. The Vietnam War, Salvadoran Civil War, and Iraq War were examined, using a mixed methodology comprised of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Variations were noted within and across conflicts, but research suggests that the public’s increased awareness of unintentionally prolonged involvement in war increases negative sentiment regarding the use of American troops. While the buildup of American forces continued despite growing negative public sentiment about the wars in the cases of Vietnam and Iraq, public pressure for a settled end and quick withdrawal of U.S. troops undoubtedly weighed on the minds of presidential administrations and elected congressional officials in their decisions to cap, increase, support, or otherwise manipulate U.S. troop footprints in overseas conflicts. Public opinion was so strong on the heels of the Vietnam War that it directly affected the troop footprint during the entirety of U.S. involvement in the Salvadoran Civil War. Further research is needed to determine how the ‘Vietnam effect’ influences public opinion in future wars.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.