Characteristics of Successful U.S. Military Interventions

Using an original data set of 145 ground, air, and naval interventions from 1898 through 2016, this report identifies those factors that have made U.S. military interventions more or less successful at achieving their political objectives. The factors that influence success vary depending on the type of objective being pursued, highlighting the need for careful analysis and resourcing decisions before policymakers initiate military interventions.