The Relevance of Civilian Based Defense to US Security Interests

Questions about the utility of force in the age of nuclear superpowers stimulate interest in alternative forms of conflict. One alternative is civilian based defense (CBD) which depends upon nonviolent resistance by an entire population to counter aggression rather than upon use of force by an armed elite. The concept differs from unilateral disarmament in that it emphasizes struggle rather than pacifism. It calls for 'transarmament' to a system of carefully planned and rehearsed demonstrations and interruptions of civil order, noncompliance with the enemy occupation authority and appeal to soldiers and officials of the opposition to disobey instructions from their superiors. The paper examines various forms of CBD and assesses their relevance to US security interests. The most significant finding of the analysis is the vulnerability of US forces to adroit application of CBD by a small opponent in a contingency operation. (Author)