Military invasion is the use of armed force by one or more geopolitical entities to enter another country’s territory with the intent of conquering, liberating, or re-establishing control or possession. Invasions can occur within the framework of a war or as an independent conflict, and they often result in occupation by the invaders. Invasions also frequently involve a significant mix of cultural components, including language and religion.
Invasion may be conducted by land, sea, air, or a combination of these. Generally, invasions by land or sea are accompanied by air assaults, which facilitate the movement of soldiers and supplies into the targeted area. Air assaults can also be used to clear the way for a landing by occupying key points that are difficult for invaders to reach without being seen or attacked.
Proponents of the invasion strategy argue that this approach can be effective in situations involving terrorist groups and other covert factions, which cannot be defeated by direct warfare. They further claim that it is possible to achieve success by reducing membership in, and blocking the supply lines of, these covert cells through frequent small victories.
Opponents of the invasion strategy point to the failure of occupying forces to achieve decisive victory in places such as Northern Ireland, Israel, Chechnya, and Iraq, and they cite continuing conflicts in which allied troops are involved, such as Lebanon and Afghanistan. They also contend that international media coverage of these events tends to skew the facts for sensationalism or political gain.
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