Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Political Science
Date of Defense
4-9-2026
Graduate Advisor
Kenny Thomas
Co-Advisor
David Kimball
Committee
James Craig
Stephen Bagwell
Abstract
Conflict strategy can be exceedingly complex. While many of the basics are simple, even the simple can be highly complicated to execute. The Schlieffen Plan in World War I appeared straight forward, but execution was a great deal more complex. It failed and the result was years of trench warfare. In addition, leaders entering conflict may not fully appreciate the full context, its effect, and the need for a long term result--a better state of peace.
Strategy and tactics may be challenging to transform as an engagement evolves. In addition, strategists must often commit to courses of action within very short periods of time. While strategists may draw upon the knowledge of many authored theorists and academicians, decisions are often made without requisite time to study choices and understand all the implications of decided lines of effort. Even selecting options that result in victory can result in dire long-term consequences.
Comprehensive political, military, economic, and psychosocial conflict strategies successfully integrated within a cohesive strategy framework help optimize operations, reduce violence, and lower monetary costs. This manuscript defines a framework for organizing conflict strategy to maximize the opportunity for success, minimize costs, limit violence, and maintain innovation while minimizing adverse effects. The framework arranges strategy into components that help make it easier to organize, understand and implement. It is not a checklist, and it is not designed to be accomplished in sequential order. The framework organizes the varied aspects of strategy for a more comprehensive understanding. Political scientists, military theorists, historians, and other academic disciplines will find the framework helpful in studying, executing, and instructing conflict strategy.
Recommended Citation
Carpenter, Paul Mason, "Organizing to Engage: A Framework for Conflict Strategy" (2026). Dissertations. 1580.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1580
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