Integrating Theory and Policy: Global Implications of the War in Iraq

War is too important to be left to the generals or to the politicians. In a dynamic world increasing in complexity at a geometric rate, it is no longer prudent to assume that any one professional class alone, no matter their dedication or training, can be the objective repository for all knowledge, analysis, synthesis, and estimative power on how to conduct war. Just as the U.S. Constitution was founded on the concept of separate institutions sharing power, today it is equally critical that multiple sources of information and analysis be assembled and tested prior to decisions that could fundamentally alter world politics. At present the United States is unnecessarily handicapping its national security capabilities by often ignoring highly powerful tools developed by the academic community. Partly this is the result of ignorance of, or distain for, intellectual contributions. Partly it is the result of an academic community failing to communicate to the policy world in satisfactory terms and timeliness.