Planning to Fail: The US Wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan

James H. Lebovic, professor of political science and international affairs, compares and contrasts U.S. decision-making in the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars, identifying a pattern of failure and highlighting lessons we can learn from them. Combining historical writings and diverse social-scientific theories, he identifies four stages of intervention: First, policymakers chose unwisely to go to war. Then, they inadvisably sought to extend or expand the mission. Next, they pursued the mission, in abbreviated form, to suboptimal effect. Finally, they adapted the mission to exit from the conflict.