Spencer D. Bakich
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780226107684
- eISBN:
- 9780226107851
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226107851.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter establishes the theoretical framework for the book. Initially, the problem of escalation is argued to be central to limited warfare and limited war strategies. Undesired escalation can ...
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This chapter establishes the theoretical framework for the book. Initially, the problem of escalation is argued to be central to limited warfare and limited war strategies. Undesired escalation can take in three forms: vertical, horizontal, and durational. Successful limited war strategies are those that effectively balance the military and diplomatic objectives sought. Four possible strategic outcomes are rendered from the interaction of military failure/success and diplomatic failure/success. The chapter argues that successful limited war strategies result from a state's capacities to extract and convert relevant military and diplomatic information into strategy. A state's information institution (i.e., the pattern of information flow among policymakers and national security organizations) is the ultimate source of strategic success and failure. Two alternative explanations of strategic performance in limited war are presented: organizational culture theory and democratic civil-military relations theory. Finally, the hybrid method of typological theory and process tracing is discussed.Less
This chapter establishes the theoretical framework for the book. Initially, the problem of escalation is argued to be central to limited warfare and limited war strategies. Undesired escalation can take in three forms: vertical, horizontal, and durational. Successful limited war strategies are those that effectively balance the military and diplomatic objectives sought. Four possible strategic outcomes are rendered from the interaction of military failure/success and diplomatic failure/success. The chapter argues that successful limited war strategies result from a state's capacities to extract and convert relevant military and diplomatic information into strategy. A state's information institution (i.e., the pattern of information flow among policymakers and national security organizations) is the ultimate source of strategic success and failure. Two alternative explanations of strategic performance in limited war are presented: organizational culture theory and democratic civil-military relations theory. Finally, the hybrid method of typological theory and process tracing is discussed.
Renaud Egreteau
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190620967
- eISBN:
- 9780190686468
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190620967.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This book examines the political landscape that followed the 2010 elections in Myanmar and the subsequent transition from direct military rule to a semi-civilian, ‘hybrid’ regime. Striking political, ...
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This book examines the political landscape that followed the 2010 elections in Myanmar and the subsequent transition from direct military rule to a semi-civilian, ‘hybrid’ regime. Striking political, social, and economic transformations have indeed taken place in the long-isolated country since the military junta disbanded in March 2011. To better construe – and question – what has routinely been labelled a ‘Burmese Spring’, the book examines the reasons behind the ongoing political transition, as well as the role of the Burmese armed forces in the process. The book draws on in-depth interviews with Burmese political actors, party leaders, parliamentarians, active and retired army officers. It also takes its cue from comparative scholarship on civil-military relations and post-authoritarian politics, looking at the ‘praetorian’ logic to explain the transitional moment. Myanmar’s road to democratic change is, however, paved with obstacles. As the book suggests, the continuing military intervention in domestic politics, the resilience of bureaucratic, economic and political clientelism at all levels of society, the towering presence of Aung San Suu Kyi, the shadowy influence of regional and global powers, and the enduring concerns about interethnic and interreligious relations, all are strong reminders of the series of elemental conundrums which Myanmar will have to deal with in order to achieve democratization, sustainable development and peace.Less
This book examines the political landscape that followed the 2010 elections in Myanmar and the subsequent transition from direct military rule to a semi-civilian, ‘hybrid’ regime. Striking political, social, and economic transformations have indeed taken place in the long-isolated country since the military junta disbanded in March 2011. To better construe – and question – what has routinely been labelled a ‘Burmese Spring’, the book examines the reasons behind the ongoing political transition, as well as the role of the Burmese armed forces in the process. The book draws on in-depth interviews with Burmese political actors, party leaders, parliamentarians, active and retired army officers. It also takes its cue from comparative scholarship on civil-military relations and post-authoritarian politics, looking at the ‘praetorian’ logic to explain the transitional moment. Myanmar’s road to democratic change is, however, paved with obstacles. As the book suggests, the continuing military intervention in domestic politics, the resilience of bureaucratic, economic and political clientelism at all levels of society, the towering presence of Aung San Suu Kyi, the shadowy influence of regional and global powers, and the enduring concerns about interethnic and interreligious relations, all are strong reminders of the series of elemental conundrums which Myanmar will have to deal with in order to achieve democratization, sustainable development and peace.
Spencer D. Bakich
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780226107684
- eISBN:
- 9780226107851
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226107851.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter summarizes the findings of the previous four empirical chapters and spells out the implications of the information institution approach for international relations theory and foreign ...
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This chapter summarizes the findings of the previous four empirical chapters and spells out the implications of the information institution approach for international relations theory and foreign policy. Four causal pathways generating the strategic outcomes of limited wars are identified. The information institution approach is shown to offer superior explanations for each of these outcomes than do either organizational culture theory or democratic civil-military relations theory. Additionally, the information institution approach is shown to offer more compelling explanations for these strategic outcomes than rationalist bargaining theory. In terms of theoretical implications, the information institution approach offers a more compelling understanding of the interaction between state-level organizations and political leaders than do traditional organizational theories. This approach also provides a firmer foundation for strategic choice theories of interstate conflict and cooperation. Finally, the relevance of the information institution approach to coercive diplomacy, executive decision-making styles, and interagency coordination is addressed.Less
This chapter summarizes the findings of the previous four empirical chapters and spells out the implications of the information institution approach for international relations theory and foreign policy. Four causal pathways generating the strategic outcomes of limited wars are identified. The information institution approach is shown to offer superior explanations for each of these outcomes than do either organizational culture theory or democratic civil-military relations theory. Additionally, the information institution approach is shown to offer more compelling explanations for these strategic outcomes than rationalist bargaining theory. In terms of theoretical implications, the information institution approach offers a more compelling understanding of the interaction between state-level organizations and political leaders than do traditional organizational theories. This approach also provides a firmer foundation for strategic choice theories of interstate conflict and cooperation. Finally, the relevance of the information institution approach to coercive diplomacy, executive decision-making styles, and interagency coordination is addressed.
Aaron Edwards
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780719084416
- eISBN:
- 9781781704738
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719084416.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Social History
British withdrawal from Palestine was a long-drawn out affair. Britain had been awarded the mandate from the League of Nations after the First World War but remained a reluctant ruler until the ...
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British withdrawal from Palestine was a long-drawn out affair. Britain had been awarded the mandate from the League of Nations after the First World War but remained a reluctant ruler until the evacuation was announced in late 1947. As the civil war between the Palestinian Arabs and Jewish settlers intensified and boiled over into open terrorism. By 15 May 1948 British forces were in retreat, their strategic interests in the Middle East region uncertain, and the Labour Government in London determined to rid itself of this problematic territory. Effectively British involvement in Palestine highlights Labour's failure in the Middle East and its inability to balance wider priorities in the emerging Cold War with the Soviet Union. But how did Britain conduct its military campaign in Palestine and, moreover, did the counter-insurgency campaign really end in failure? This chapter analyses the ebb and flow of civil-military relations in Palestine and sets the scene for the key themes of political will, constraints on the use of force, and the effectiveness of civil-military relations explored in the remainder of the book.Less
British withdrawal from Palestine was a long-drawn out affair. Britain had been awarded the mandate from the League of Nations after the First World War but remained a reluctant ruler until the evacuation was announced in late 1947. As the civil war between the Palestinian Arabs and Jewish settlers intensified and boiled over into open terrorism. By 15 May 1948 British forces were in retreat, their strategic interests in the Middle East region uncertain, and the Labour Government in London determined to rid itself of this problematic territory. Effectively British involvement in Palestine highlights Labour's failure in the Middle East and its inability to balance wider priorities in the emerging Cold War with the Soviet Union. But how did Britain conduct its military campaign in Palestine and, moreover, did the counter-insurgency campaign really end in failure? This chapter analyses the ebb and flow of civil-military relations in Palestine and sets the scene for the key themes of political will, constraints on the use of force, and the effectiveness of civil-military relations explored in the remainder of the book.
Simon Reich and Peter Dombrowski
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781501714627
- eISBN:
- 9781501714641
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9781501714627.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
This chapter begins with a personal vignette from one of the authors (Reich) regarding scenario planning and its relationship to strategizing. In this chapter, we outline the major strands of ...
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This chapter begins with a personal vignette from one of the authors (Reich) regarding scenario planning and its relationship to strategizing. In this chapter, we outline the major strands of contemporary US grand strategy, and identify the conditions under which each one is employed by policymakers and, ultimately, the U.S. Navy. It then examines theories that may explain why a series of strategies run simultaneously before comprehensively examining the contemporary contending variants of grand strategy. It outlines three major variants and then distinguish two sub-categories within each variant for a total of six. It compares and contrasts the key elements of each to illustrate how – despite the fact that they may share features –is ultimately configures in a unique way.Less
This chapter begins with a personal vignette from one of the authors (Reich) regarding scenario planning and its relationship to strategizing. In this chapter, we outline the major strands of contemporary US grand strategy, and identify the conditions under which each one is employed by policymakers and, ultimately, the U.S. Navy. It then examines theories that may explain why a series of strategies run simultaneously before comprehensively examining the contemporary contending variants of grand strategy. It outlines three major variants and then distinguish two sub-categories within each variant for a total of six. It compares and contrasts the key elements of each to illustrate how – despite the fact that they may share features –is ultimately configures in a unique way.
Aaron Edwards
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780719084416
- eISBN:
- 9781781704738
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719084416.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Social History
Britain is often revered for its extensive experience of waging ‘small wars’. Its long imperial history is littered with high profile counter-insurgency campaigns, thus marking it out as the world's ...
More
Britain is often revered for its extensive experience of waging ‘small wars’. Its long imperial history is littered with high profile counter-insurgency campaigns, thus marking it out as the world's most seasoned practitioners of this type of warfare. Britain's ‘small wars’ ranged from fighting Communist insurgents in the bamboo-laden Malayan jungle, marauding Mau Mau gangs in Kenyan game reserves, Irish republican terrorists in the back alleys and rural hamlets of Northern Ireland, and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan's Helmand province. This is the first book to detail the tactical and operational dynamics of Britain's small wars, arguing that the military's use of force was more heavily constrained by wider strategic and political considerations than previously admitted. Outlining the civil-military strategy followed by the British in Palestine, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Aden, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, Defending the Realm argues that Britain's small wars have been shaped by a relative decline in British power, amidst dramatic fluctuations in the international system, just as much as the actions of military commanders and civilian officials ‘on the spot’ or those formulating government policy in London. Written from a theoretically-informed perspective, grounded in rich archival sources, oral testimonies and a reappraisal of the literature on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, Defending the Realm is the definitive account of the politics of Britain's small wars. It will be of interest to political scientists and historians, as well as scholars, students, soldiers and politicians who wish to gain a more critically informed perspective of the political trappings of war.Less
Britain is often revered for its extensive experience of waging ‘small wars’. Its long imperial history is littered with high profile counter-insurgency campaigns, thus marking it out as the world's most seasoned practitioners of this type of warfare. Britain's ‘small wars’ ranged from fighting Communist insurgents in the bamboo-laden Malayan jungle, marauding Mau Mau gangs in Kenyan game reserves, Irish republican terrorists in the back alleys and rural hamlets of Northern Ireland, and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan's Helmand province. This is the first book to detail the tactical and operational dynamics of Britain's small wars, arguing that the military's use of force was more heavily constrained by wider strategic and political considerations than previously admitted. Outlining the civil-military strategy followed by the British in Palestine, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Aden, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, Defending the Realm argues that Britain's small wars have been shaped by a relative decline in British power, amidst dramatic fluctuations in the international system, just as much as the actions of military commanders and civilian officials ‘on the spot’ or those formulating government policy in London. Written from a theoretically-informed perspective, grounded in rich archival sources, oral testimonies and a reappraisal of the literature on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, Defending the Realm is the definitive account of the politics of Britain's small wars. It will be of interest to political scientists and historians, as well as scholars, students, soldiers and politicians who wish to gain a more critically informed perspective of the political trappings of war.
Simon A. Waldman and Emre Caliskan
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- July 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190668372
- eISBN:
- 9780190848538
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190668372.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Middle Eastern Politics
This chapter highlights how, in many respects, the military (MGK) was the author of its own decline, a result of infighting and internal and external plots and intrigue. By the AKP’s second term, ...
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This chapter highlights how, in many respects, the military (MGK) was the author of its own decline, a result of infighting and internal and external plots and intrigue. By the AKP’s second term, tensions arose within the military’s lower officer ranks about how to deal with what they considered to be the AKP’s challenge to the secular nature of the state. This created disarray within the ranks while at the same time spurious conspiracies to overthrow the government emerged, leading to a purge within the military’s officer class. By the time the AKP entered its third term in office, the military was a spent force in Turkish politics ushering in a new era in the political and cultural dynamics of the country.Less
This chapter highlights how, in many respects, the military (MGK) was the author of its own decline, a result of infighting and internal and external plots and intrigue. By the AKP’s second term, tensions arose within the military’s lower officer ranks about how to deal with what they considered to be the AKP’s challenge to the secular nature of the state. This created disarray within the ranks while at the same time spurious conspiracies to overthrow the government emerged, leading to a purge within the military’s officer class. By the time the AKP entered its third term in office, the military was a spent force in Turkish politics ushering in a new era in the political and cultural dynamics of the country.
Renaud Egreteau
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190620967
- eISBN:
- 9780190686468
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190620967.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter shifts its focus away from the euphoric optimism that emerged after 2011 and instead looks at one of the more enduring realities of contemporary Myanmar: the continuing dominance of the ...
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This chapter shifts its focus away from the euphoric optimism that emerged after 2011 and instead looks at one of the more enduring realities of contemporary Myanmar: the continuing dominance of the military institution despite the disbanding of the junta in 2011. The Tatmadaw remains a key policy actor as the “last resort decision-maker” in the new post-junta hybrid system. As crises emerge, threats escalate and local contentious politics grow uncontrollable, the armed forces continue to decisively intervene. The Tatmadaw has also secured a “post-junta” legislative role through the constitutional reservation of a quarter of all new parliamentary seats. This chapter reviews the various policy and legislative functions performed by the Tatmadaw in the new constitution order, evaluating the effects of its lingering influence.Less
This chapter shifts its focus away from the euphoric optimism that emerged after 2011 and instead looks at one of the more enduring realities of contemporary Myanmar: the continuing dominance of the military institution despite the disbanding of the junta in 2011. The Tatmadaw remains a key policy actor as the “last resort decision-maker” in the new post-junta hybrid system. As crises emerge, threats escalate and local contentious politics grow uncontrollable, the armed forces continue to decisively intervene. The Tatmadaw has also secured a “post-junta” legislative role through the constitutional reservation of a quarter of all new parliamentary seats. This chapter reviews the various policy and legislative functions performed by the Tatmadaw in the new constitution order, evaluating the effects of its lingering influence.
Renaud Egreteau
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190620967
- eISBN:
- 9780190686468
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190620967.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
The chapter argues that the main policy actor at the core of the transitional process remains Myanmar’s secretive military institution. It was the armed forces and its uncontested leadership that let ...
More
The chapter argues that the main policy actor at the core of the transitional process remains Myanmar’s secretive military institution. It was the armed forces and its uncontested leadership that let the “opening” outstretch soon after the 2010 elections, by officially disbanding the “junta” and morphing into a hybrid “transit regime”. In a sense, the Tatmadaw stood, as in 1960 and 1974, as a “caretaker” of the transition. Yet, even if the partial disengagement of the armed forces from politics observed after 2011 had carefully been planned by the military leadership, an institutional and political “elite pact” was needed regardless, and sought after by several key elite groups, to pursue the initial procedural transition.Less
The chapter argues that the main policy actor at the core of the transitional process remains Myanmar’s secretive military institution. It was the armed forces and its uncontested leadership that let the “opening” outstretch soon after the 2010 elections, by officially disbanding the “junta” and morphing into a hybrid “transit regime”. In a sense, the Tatmadaw stood, as in 1960 and 1974, as a “caretaker” of the transition. Yet, even if the partial disengagement of the armed forces from politics observed after 2011 had carefully been planned by the military leadership, an institutional and political “elite pact” was needed regardless, and sought after by several key elite groups, to pursue the initial procedural transition.
