鲍威尔思想认为，只有在关键性国家利益受到威胁、战略目标明确且可以达到、收益可能大于成本、消极影响可以得到限制、获得广泛的国内和国际支持、并存在可靠的退出战略时，美国才应该动用武力。
The Powell doctrine stipulates that the US should use military force only when a vital national-security interest is at stake; the strategic objective is clear and attainable; the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs; adverse consequences can be limited; broad international and domestic support has been obtained; and a plausible exit strategy is in place.