The efficacy of bombing in WWII has generated much debate. With use of the basic

Question

The efficacy of bombing in WWII has generated much debate. With use of the basic economic prnciples listed in CBB, critically evaluate the theory and practice of strategic bombing. Critically evaluate any ethical issues surrounding strategic bombing.

Answer sketch: theory: from CBB: "Strategic bombing is best deÖned as the use of air power to strike at the very foundation of an enemy's war effort - the production of war material, the economy as a whole, or the morale of the civilian populationó rather than as a direct attack on the enemyís army or navy." This if successful would void the need for land invasion. Implicit theory of economy: (1) interconnected web of activities full of critical components, e.g., ball bearings, oil, raw materials of all sorts; (2) enemy morale could be destroyed, so they would not be able/willing to work. Evaluation of this theory: except for production of pilots, principle of substitution was displayed as oil was made from coal, factory production dispersed geographicall, slave labor substituted for free workers. Evidence available at start: WWI, Spanish Civil War.

Practice: poor results (weather, anti-aircraft defense, bombsights, pilot fear). But why did the belief in its efficacy persist? Agency problems (Generals have careers, that they have hitched to air war success, bomber crews "saw what they wanted to see" in their own reports of the e¢ cacy of their raids). Diminishing returns.

Explanation / Answer

The strategy planners usually do a lot of research before striking any target, Today we have seen in modern warfare that the most likely target of foreign military powers would be oil depots,

They first hit the oil depots then they stop the entire economic and military activity in the region, But this cannot be true for more advanced countries, They will be able to supply their military much need fuel and supplies despite air raids.

The other problem we see with this strategy is that desire to fight is also dependent on culture of the place, In places like Afghanisthan you would not need to teach someone to fight, There are thousands of people ready to fight guriella warfare. Air raids on such areas are next to useless, Its like wasting your precious cargo. People were already despreate and you make them more despreate, They would just rebel and create more problems.

However in plains of any country air raids are extremely successful and can wipe out the key installations in no time,

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