Why Allies Rebel: Defiant Local Partners in Counterinsurgency Wars

Powerful intervening militaries often struggle to manage local partners in counterinsurgency wars due to a complex web of factors, including cultural differences, political instability, and conflicting agendas. This book examines nine large-scale post-colonial counterinsurgency interventions and identifies over 450 policy requests made by intervening forces to local allies, exposing a critical political dynamic in military interventions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 351 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Powerful intervening militaries often face significant challenges when managing comparatively weak local partners in counterinsurgency wars. This book, set within the context of costly, large-scale military interventions like the US war in Afghanistan, delves into the conditions that influence local allies' compliance with (or defiance of) the policy demands of larger security partners. By analyzing nine significant post-colonial counterinsurgency interventions, including Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Lebanon, Cambodia, and Angola, the book employs thousands of primary source documents to identify and examine over 450 policy requests proposed by intervening forces to local allies. Through a detailed examination of these problematic partnerships, the book sheds light on a critical political dynamic inherent in military interventions. This work will appeal to academics and policymakers engaged in the study of counterinsurgency issues in foreign policy, security studies, and political science.

The challenges faced by powerful intervening militaries in managing comparatively weak local partners in counterinsurgency wars are multifaceted and complex. One of the primary factors contributing to these difficulties is the inherent power imbalance between the intervening forces and their local allies. Intervening militaries often possess superior military capabilities, resources, and technology, which can create a sense of dominance and coercion within the local partner's forces. This power differential can undermine trust and cooperation, making it difficult for the intervening forces to effectively engage and influence local partners.

Another challenge is the cultural and ideological differences between the intervening forces and their local partners. Intervening forces may come from different cultural backgrounds, with different values, beliefs, and customs. These differences can create barriers to communication, understanding, and collaboration, making it challenging for the intervening forces to establish effective working relationships with local partners. Additionally, the local partners may have conflicting ideological beliefs or allegiances, which can further complicate the relationship and make it difficult for the intervening forces to align their policies with local priorities.

Political factors also play a significant role in the management of local partners in counterinsurgency wars. Local leaders may have their own agendas, interests, and allegiances, which may not align with the goals and objectives of the intervening forces. This can create tensions and conflicts within the local partner's forces, making it difficult for the intervening forces to maintain control and influence. Additionally, political instability, corruption, and lack of governance can further undermine the effectiveness of local partners and make it difficult for the intervening forces to establish stable and secure conditions.

The nature of the counterinsurgency campaign itself can also contribute to the challenges faced by intervening militaries. Counterinsurgency campaigns are often long-term and require a sustained commitment of resources and personnel. Local partners may not have the necessary resources or capacity to sustain the campaign over an extended period, which can lead to frustration and disengagement among local forces. Additionally, the nature of counterinsurgency warfare is often unpredictable and requires a flexible and adaptable approach, which may be difficult for local partners to implement.

To address these challenges, intervening militaries need to adopt a comprehensive and nuanced approach to managing local partners. This approach should involve a combination of military, political, economic, and social measures to build trust, cooperation, and capacity within the local partner's forces. Intervening forces should also prioritize the development of local leadership and governance structures to ensure that the local partner's forces are sustainable and accountable.

One approach that intervening militaries have adopted to manage local partners is the establishment of joint military operations (JMOs). JMOs involve the integration of local and international forces to conduct military operations together. JMOs can help to bridge the power differential between intervening forces and local partners, promote mutual understanding and respect, and facilitate collaboration. Additionally, JMOs can help to build local capacity and expertise, which can enable local partners to take on more responsibility for security operations over time.

Another approach is the provision of training and assistance to local partners. Intervening militaries can provide training and equipment to local forces to improve their capabilities and effectiveness. This training can include basic military skills, counterinsurgency tactics, and governance and development practices. By providing training and assistance, intervening militaries can help to build the capacity and confidence of local partners, making them more capable of taking on security responsibilities.

Political engagement and dialogue are also critical components of managing local partners in counterinsurgency wars. Intervening militaries should engage with local leaders and communities to understand their perspectives and priorities. This engagement can help to build trust and understanding, and can facilitate the development of shared goals and objectives. Additionally, political dialogue can help to address political conflicts and tensions within local partner's forces, which can undermine the effectiveness of the counterinsurgency campaign.

Finally, intervening militaries should prioritize the development of sustainable and accountable governance structures within local partner's forces. This can involve the establishment of democratic institutions, the promotion of human rights, and the development of economic opportunities. By promoting sustainable and accountable governance, intervening militaries can help to ensure that the gains made in the counterinsurgency campaign are sustained over time and that the local partner's forces are able to take on more responsibility for security operations.

In conclusion, powerful intervening militaries often face significant challenges when managing comparatively weak local partners in counterinsurgency wars. These challenges are driven by the power imbalance, cultural and ideological differences, political factors, and the nature of the counterinsurgency campaign itself. By adopting a comprehensive and nuanced approach that involves military, political, economic, and social measures, intervening militaries can build trust, cooperation, and capacity within local partner's forces and promote sustainable and accountable governance. This approach can help to ensure that the gains made in counterinsurgency campaigns are sustained over time and that the local partner's forces are able to take on more responsibility for security operations.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108748063