Police action

A police action in military/security studies and international relations, is a military action undertaken without a formal declaration of war, often localized in scope.

Related Topics:
Military - Security - International relations - Declaration of war

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Since the Second World War, numerous police actions have taken place under the auspices of the major-power nations; indeed, a declared war is an increasing rarity.

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The term is frequently used in reference to certain 20th-century historical events: the military actions of the Netherlands, Britain, and other allies during the Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949), as well as the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960).

Related Topics:
Netherlands - Britain - Indonesian National Revolution - Malayan Emergency

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The United States has launched all of its major armed conflicts since World War II as police actions. In these events, Congress had not made a formal declaration of war, yet the President, as the commander-in-chief, has claimed authority to send in the armed forces when he deemed necessary. Nonetheless, limited Congressional control has been asserted, in terms of funding appropriations.

Related Topics:
United States - World War II - Congress - Declaration of war - President

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The Korean War and the Vietnam War, strictly speaking, were not declared wars but police actions.

Related Topics:
Korean War - Vietnam War

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