National Security (continued) and Transition

Nelson labels Bush's argument on preemptive war as "The Bush Doctrine." Actually, four different ideas have come under that label.

Nelson also equates "preemptive" and "preventive" war. (p. 298). Many have tried to draw a distinction. According to a RAND report:

"Reduced to its essence, a preemptive attack is one that is launched based on the expectation than the adversary is about to attack, and that striking first will be better than being attacked.
...
"Preventive attacks have much in common with preemptive ones, but they are launched in response to less immediate threats. Both types of attack are alternatives to waiting for an expected enemy blow to fall, but preventive attack is motivated not by the desire to strike first rather than second, but by the desire to fight sooner rather than later."

More Gibson interview, on Iraq (first two minutes):

Timing and the Honeymoon: