Educational Media Reviews Online

Produced during and just after the conflict in Kosovo, this video series seeks to provide information on the military implications of the crisis, and to offer thoughts on the future of warfare. The series is a production of America's Defense Monitor, for the Center for Defense Information. The Center for Defense Information (CDI) is an organization whose aim is to document U.S. military activities in an objective fashion. Their reputation as an unbiased reporter, giving critical analysis of all aspects of the armed forces, is very good. Most of the top CDI staff are former military personnel with expertise in various military topics. This allows them to report without the restraint that might exist were they still members of the armed forces. Some former congressional members also belong to this group. Jacobson gives a review of CDI's operations and credentials in an article in the National Journal. [fn] These videotapes are hard-hitting, and give detailed lessons on a wide range of issues (listed by title below).

Recent tension in the Serbian district of Kosovo, between Serbs and ethnic Albanians escalated over a period of years, until open hostilities broke out in 1998 when government forces began a program of repression. This campaign, with its atrocities and the goal of subjugation of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo created an outcry from many nations in the world, and finally in the early spring of 1999, after repeated warnings, NATO forces launched a campaign to force Serbia to end its aggression.

Many factors that are peculiar to modern warfare created new situations for soldiers and politicians. A good example of the unusual nature of this war is the decision to place limitations on combat in seeking resolution of the conflict. Early into the campaign, it was announced that only air forces would be used, meaning that ground troops would not be deployed for combat. This act created a situation, in which the success of the entire effort hinged upon effectively bombing the Serb nation into submission. Great controversy over this decision occurred as military and political experts argued over the possibility for success. Effects of the bombing campaign were inconclusive as various reports came in during the fighting. Revised reports showed that the situation did not match that of the earlier reports. The Kosovo war demonstrated the ineffectiveness of using air power alone in reaching a conclusion to armed conflict. This lesson has been repeatedly taught in each successive war since the first bombing campaigns of World War II.

The conflict in Kosovo also showed other features of warfare in the late 20th century, which are to be aspects of 21st century military strategy as well. Current trends include: reliance on high technology weapons and defense systems, absence of human factors in fighting, higher rates of casualties among civilian populations, and loss of conventional skills by soldiers. These among other concepts are addressed by CDI using its Lessons of Kosovo series. The short conflict is a model of how warfare and politics will be applied now and in the future.

The tapes are divided into distinct, stand-alone topics, covering 12 different aspects of the war in Kosovo; and its effect on the United States, European allies, United Nations, Serbia, and Russia. The focus is on military/political actions and planning and how the lessons of this conflict might be applied to future crises. The titles of the 12 tapes are:

• America's Impact on Russia
• Kosovo: NATO's Mid-life Crisis?
• The Human Costs of America's Arms Sales
• Alternatives to Military Power in Foreign Policy
• Water, Land, People & Conflict
• War for Oil in the Former Soviet Union
• Can America Work With Russia?
• The Pentagon's Casualty Phobia
• The Limits of Air Power
• Why is Military Spending Going Up?
• The Environmental Impact of War
• Where Is the United Nations?

Each tape presents its case using a combination of visual and narrative data. The materials are organized well and information is related in a clear, unbiased manner. The point of each tape is explained using an objective style, clearly defining key points, showing examples, and offering conclusions. The visuals show actions in the air and on the ground, including news and official footage of fighting, effects of war (damage, casualties, bodies), political leaders, and other scenes. Interviews with military and political experts provide objective reinforcement of the points being made, while maps and tables show geographical and statistical concepts.

These tapes provide critical commentary on the strengths and weaknesses of the military/political doctrines being followed, and do not hold back on seeking the truth. They do not show the Kosovo conflict outside of the context of history. Comparisons with past wars show relationships and demonstrate principles that are being explained. A brief history of Kosovo and the former Yugoslavian republics also keeps the viewer in touch with the context of the bigger picture.

The quality of the tapes is good, though slightly lower than major commercial productions. This does not take away from the high level of the presentation of material. The series is a very good resource for the study of a variety of topics, including: history of the Kosovo conflict of 1999, modern Serbian regional politics, the effect of regional aggression on world opinion, the concept of "world police forces," the impact of modern war on people and the environment, the changing face of war, the effect of the media on conduct of wars, reasons for intervention of the United States and other nations in other countries, and the future of international relations. The Lessons of Kosovo series would be a valuable addition to many collections.

Internet users may access CDI's Web resource files, containing reviews, RealVideo clips, study guides, transcripts, and additional materials. Sample viewing copies are available upon request.

[fn] Louis Jacobson. "What Now For Defense Watchdog?" National Journal 27:31 (Aug. 5