Show of force

Show of force is a military term for an operation intended to warn or intimidate an opponent and to showcase one's own capability or will to act if provoked.

Shows of force have historically been undertaken mostly by a military actor unwilling to engage in all-out hostilities, but fearing to 'lose face' (i.e. to appear weak). By performing a carefully calculated provocation, the opponent is to be shown that violent confrontation remains an option, and that there will be no (or no further) backing off on the principle the show of force is to defend. [" [http://english.aljazeera.net/news/archive/archive?ArchiveId=24036 Israel in Gaza show of force] " - "Al Jazeera", Thursday 29 June 2006] Shows of force may be actual military operations, but in times of official peace, they may also be limited to military exercises. [ [http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed080204a.cfm Commentary: Show of Force] - "New York Post", Monday 02 August 2004]

Shows of force may also be executed by police forces and other armed, non-military groups.

Risk of escalation

Shows of force, while intended as 'gestures' have a risk of being considered part of a larger or more extensive operation, and can invite responses or retaliation beyond those intended.

Historical examples

* Doolittle Raid, the first US bombing of the Japanese home islands after the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
* Operation Paul Bunyan, a dawn raid in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a reaction to the slaying of two US soldiers.
* Eagle Mission 4, a mercy mission mounted by the Indian Air Force to airdrop humanitarian relief supplies over the besieged town of Jaffna on 4 June 1987. It was undertaken as a symbolic act of support for the Tamil Tigers two days after a previous effort, in the form of a small naval flotilla, was thwarted by the Sri Lankan Navy.

References