The current British “hearts and minds” approach to war has little meaning anymore and may have become largely a public relations stunt, according to a recent Kingston University study.
The report said tensions between the British and American forces because of their differing approaches to war was leading to confusion for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hearts and Minds? British Counterinsurgency from Malaya to Iraq, said in Iraq the US followed a more aggressive, conventional military approach whereas the British sought to win over the population with minimal force.
Editor and lead author, Paul Dixon, a leader in politics and international studies at the university, said military leaders on both sides of the Atlantic should hold a frank debate on exactly what military actions are justifiable and in what circumstances.
He said: “This should also include discussion on the accountability of soldiers as well as their rights. The future may be to more carefully and practically specify in what contexts and circumstances the deployment of force is legitimate.”
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