This course provides an in-depth understanding of the issues and challenges that are shaping decisions to use military force in the 21st century. It examines the breadth and characteristics of the diverse range of conflict situations and MOOTW into which forces might be deployed and considers both the international and domestic issues that would need to be addressed in making a decision to do so. It addresses the lessons learnt from recent operations. Consideration is also given to the specific factors determining the roles which military forces might undertake, the selection of appropriate capabilities and how operations are conducted.