National Strength Assessment: Resources, Performance, Military Capability

Author: Ashley Tellis (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: This is a research report by the U.S. think tank RAND Corporation on national power. The report argues that the arrival of the post-industrial society has changed the traditional foundation of national power, and the methods for measuring the relative power of countries should be reassessed. To discern the true foundation of national power, it is not only necessary to conduct a detailed analysis of tangible military assets but also to closely examine variables such as innovation capabilities, the perfection of social systems, and the quality of the knowledge base—all of which may be part of the broader capacity that contributes to effective military power, a fundamental factor in international politics. This book includes discussions on the concepts of "power" and "national power," an evaluation of traditional methods for measuring national power, revised perspectives on measuring national power, and the measurement of national performance.