Stephen Benedict Dyson
Search for other papers by Stephen Benedict Dyson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Rumsfeld and the invasion plan
Abstract only
Log-in for full text

Considered in isolation from what came later, the invasion plan for Iraq was daring in conception, achieved its goals with stunning speed and at low cost, and represented a sparkling advertisement for Rumsfeld’s vision of a light, fast army. Planning saw close interaction between Rumsfeld and Gen. Tommy Franks, showing the positive potential of Rumsfeld’s leadership style. The secretary was insistent, questioning, and effective in shaping a plan that married Franks’ war-fighting expertise with the goals of the civilian Pentagon leadership. Instead of crumpling before Rumsfeld or ignoring him, Franks took the secretary’s incessant questioning as a positive cue, and together they fashioned an effective product. The positive impact of Rumsfeld on the invasion plan serves as a useful reminder that studies of controversial leaders should take account of the upside, as well as the downside, of each worldview and decision style.

  • Collapse
  • Expand

All of MUP's digital content including Open Access books and journals is now available on manchesterhive.

 

Leaders in conflict

Bush and Rumsfeld in Iraq

Metrics

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 434 186 36
Full Text Views 91 4 0
PDF Downloads 45 2 0