The “Powell Doctrine” As Applied to Syria

Dave Schuler 


The “Powell Doctrine”, enunciated by Colin Powell in 1990 during his tenure as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, consisted of eight questions:

1. Is a vital national security interest threatened?
2. Do we have a clear attainable objective?
3. Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
4. Have all other nonviolent policy means been fully exhausted?
5. Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
6. Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
7. Is the action supported by the American people?
8. Do we have genuine broad international support?

Over at FP Stephen Walt attempts to consider the “doctrine” as it applies to Syria. As you might imagine, it’s hard to make the case.