One of the most controversial aspects of United States foreign policy centers about its response to unconventional conflict-that is, revolutions, counterrevolutions, and terrorism-in and from a number of Third World countries. Examining the current U.S. political-military posture, this critical study assesses the challenges posed to open systems by these conflicts and proposes guidelines for creating a more effective U.S. response. The author first explores the nature of unconventional conflicts, then turns to the U.S. response to the challenges unconditional conflicts present. Urging the need for a "new realism" based on a more accurate picture of present political conditions and U.S. interests, he concludes with a series of suggested guidelines for designing U.S. policy, strategy, doctrine and organizational strategies as a means of developing a more viable approach to the challenges of contemporary military and political conflict.

Includes index.

Part I. The nature of unconventional conflicts: the challenge. Third World conflicts and US interests -- Revolution and revolutionary systems -- Counterrevolution and counterrevolutionary systems -- The conflict spectrum: wars in the contemporary period / Part II. The US political-military posture: the response. Vietnam and after -- The American dilemma -- Challenge and response -- The new realism / Part III. Conclusions. Democracy and unconventional conflicts: the democratic imperative / Appendix: US and USSR military assistance to selected third world states.