Precision and Purpose Debating Robert A. Pape's Bombing to Win

The 1991 Gulf War and the 1999 NATO air campaign against Serbia have led many to conclude that the prophecy that air power would become decisive in war, first made by General Emilio Douhet more than 60 years ago, has finally been realized. Supporters of air power argue that technological breakthroughs in target acquisition and precision bombing have so augmented the coercive abilities of air power, that advanced powers may now rely on their air forces to achieve strategic goals, often without the use of ground forces. Academic discussions of the efficacy of air power cast doubt on the more extravagant claims made by air power supporters. The most important such discussion is the recently published "Bombing to Win: Air Power and Coercion in War" by Robert A. Pape Jr. Pape argues that technological advances have not augmented the effectiveness of air power to the point where it alone may achieve victory through strategic bombing of the adversary. "Precision and Purpose: Debating Robert A. Pape's Bombingto Win", offers a thorough examination of the debate over air power. Edited by Benjamin Frankel, the editor of "Security Studies Journal", the book includes essays by four scholars of air power and coercion who question Pape's argument on methodological, substantive and historical grounds. Pape offers a summary of his argument and major findings - including an innovative discussion of the Kosovo campaign, which took place after his book had been published and a detailed response to his critics. "Precision and Purpose" makes a contribution to an important debate - a debate with major implications for strategy, force structure, and budgetary decisions. The book should be useful for both students and practitioners of military strategy and coercion.Frankel, Benjamin is the author of 'Precision and Purpose Debating Robert A. Pape's Bombing to Win' with ISBN 9780714681085 and ISBN 0714681083.