Beyond the Wire: US Military Deployments and Host Country Public Opinion

The US has entered a Domain of Competitive Consent where the longevity of overseas deployments relies on the buy-in from host-state populations and security guarantees from other major powers. This book demonstrates that US service members are key to building support for the US mission by interacting with local community members and highlighting the positive and negative impacts of military deployments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The United States faces a critical juncture in its international security posture, with pressures to reduce its overseas military deployments and expenditures. In Beyond the Wire, a comprehensive examination of the dynamics of US foreign policy, Michael Allen, Michael Flynn, Carla Martinez Machain, and Andrew Stravers argue that the United States has entered a realm of "Competitive Consent," where the sustainability of its overseas deployments hinges on the acceptance of host-state populations and the security guarantees provided by other major powers. Drawing from extensive surveys and interviews conducted across fourteen countries over three years, the authors provide a compelling account of how US service members play a pivotal role in building support for the US mission.

Through their interactions with local community members, service members are able to showcase both the positive outcomes and economic benefits that result from military deployments. They highlight how these deployments can foster stability, promote economic development, and provide humanitarian aid. At the same time, the authors acknowledge the negative impacts that military presence can have, such as increased crime rates, anti-base protests, and cultural tensions.

By presenting a rigorous and concrete analysis of the interplay between US policy on the ground and its ability to advance foreign policy goals, Beyond the Wire offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of international relations. The book underscores the importance of understanding the local context and building relationships with communities to ensure the successful execution of US foreign policy objectives.

As the United States navigates the challenges of a changing global landscape, Beyond the Wire serves as a timely and important contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of US foreign policy. It provides a roadmap for policymakers and military leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of conducting military operations in a diverse and complex world.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197633410