This thesis in war sciences focuses on the theory regarding how Coercion leads to success in modern conflicts and has used Robert Papes theory on coercion through Denial strategies. The problem leading to the concentration on this subject comes from critique aimed at Papes theory saying that the lack of proper empirical evidence and a distortion of reality has led Pape to producing a theory inadequate of dealing with modern wars and conflicts.The purpose of this thesis is to investigate Papes theory through a case study on Operation Anaconda, to evaluate if his theory still holds enough explanatory power to be used in warfare after being tested on a modern conflict.Investigating Papes theory has led to the result that the theory only explains partly why Operation Anaconda was successful. The operation was successful due to a military victory being achieved and coercion through denial only explains victory due to the air support provided during the operation.