Understanding Battlefield Coalitions

This book provides novel theoretical and empirical insight into the nature and capabilities of battlefield coalitions, as well as their military and political consequences. It offers the first dataset of battlefield coalitions, uses primary sources to understand how non-state actors form such groupings, reports interviews with policymakers, and uses case studies of various wars to understand how other collectives have operated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of battlefield coalitions, offering a profound theoretical and empirical understanding of their nature, capabilities, and the profound military and political implications of their combat operations. By presenting the first comprehensive dataset of battlefield coalitions, the volume sheds light on the formation and dynamics of these unique alliances, drawing from a wealth of primary sources to explore the intricate processes by which non-state actors of varying types come together to form these powerful combat groups.

In Part I, the book establishes battlefield coalitions as a distinct object of study, highlighting their unique characteristics and distinguishing them from other wartime collectives. Through a novel dataset encompassing actors involved in 492 battles during interstate wars from 1900 to 2003, the book provides a comprehensive portrait of the diverse universe of battlefield coalitions. This groundbreaking data offers valuable insights into the composition, characteristics, and dynamics of these alliances.

Part II delves into the intricate processes and dynamics that shape the formation of battlefield coalitions. It explores how potential coalition members prepare for future battles in peacetime, the consequences of such preparations, and the intricate dynamics of mission design. By examining these critical aspects, the book sheds light on the strategic considerations and decision-making processes that underpin the formation and operation of battlefield coalitions.

Part III focuses on the organization and combat capabilities of battlefield coalitions. It examines the decision-making rules and practices, command structures, and learning capacities that govern these alliances. By exploring these key elements, the book provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by battlefield coalitions, enabling readers to better understand their effectiveness and limitations in the context of modern warfare.

Part IV delves into three intriguing tendencies observed in the operations of battlefield coalitions. It explores the phenomenon of partners under-providing effort in combat, the persistence of cooperation among rebels and terrorist networks even when their interests diverge, and the occurrence of member defections from the collective. By examining these phenomena, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics and challenges faced by battlefield coalitions in the modern era.

Part V concludes the book with a chapter outlining the key insights and conclusions derived from the previous chapters. It highlights the gaps in our knowledge and provides recommendations for future research in this field. By identifying areas for further exploration, the book encourages scholars and policymakers to deepen their understanding of battlefield coalitions and their role in shaping the course of modern warfare.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and military professionals seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and capabilities of battlefield coalitions. By presenting a wealth of theoretical and empirical insights, the volume contributes to our understanding of the military and political implications of these alliances in the modern era. Through its innovative approach and comprehensive dataset, the book sets the stage for future research and analysis in this critical field.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032508375