With Us and Against Us: How America's Partners Help and Hinder the War on Terror

President George W. Bush's statement "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists" after the September 11 attacks has led to many counterterrorism partners being both "with" and "against" the United States. This has been especially true in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, where the terrorist groups that threaten America are most concentrated. Stephen Tankel's book "With Us and Against Us" analyzes the factors that shape counterterrorism cooperation and offers nuanced propositions about what the U.S. can expect from its partners depending on their political and security interests, threat perceptions, and relationships with the United States and with the terrorists in question. The book provides a theoretically rich and policy-relevant toolkit for assessing and improving counterterrorism cooperation, devising strategies for mitigating risks, and getting the most out of difficult partnerships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 22 May 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush made a resolute statement, declaring, "Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists." Since that fateful day, numerous countries have collaborated with the United States in its fight against terrorism, offering both support and challenges. This complex dynamic has been particularly evident in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, where the concentration of terrorist groups poses a significant threat to American interests. Given the interconnected nature of U.S. counterterrorism strategy, it is imperative for the country to engage in partnerships with other nations. However, the extent to which the United States can reasonably expect cooperation from its partners and the strategies employed to maximize their contributions remain relatively understudied.

In his book, With Us and Against Us, Stephen Tankel delves into the intricate dynamics that shape counterterrorism cooperation. He examines the ways in which partner nations contribute to international efforts, as well as the obstacles they pose. Tankel explores the evolving nature of counterterrorism, highlighting how it differs from previous approaches and traditional alliances. By focusing on U.S. partnerships with Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, Tankel offers insightful propositions about what the United States can reasonably expect from these countries based on their political and security interests, threat perceptions, and relationships with both the United States and the terrorist organizations they are combating.

The book provides a valuable toolkit for policymakers and scholars seeking to understand and improve counterterrorism cooperation. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence partnerships, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in this complex domain. By examining the experiences of these countries, With Us and Against Us provides valuable insights into the complexities of counterterrorism cooperation and offers practical recommendations for enhancing collaboration and achieving shared goals.

In conclusion, With Us and Against Us is a crucial contribution to the literature on counterterrorism cooperation. By examining the complex dynamics between the United States and its partners, Stephen Tankel provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the factors that shape this critical aspect of national security. The book offers valuable insights for policymakers and scholars alike, and serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve collaboration and achieve success in the fight against terrorism.

Weight: 698g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231168106