European University Institute Library

The dictator's army, battlefield effectiveness in authoritarian regimes, Caitlin Talmadge

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The dictator's army

bibliography

904801037

Caitlin Talmadge

Cornell studies in security affairs

battlefield effectiveness in authoritarian regimes

In The Dictator's Army, Caitlin Talmadge presents a compelling new argument to help us understand why authoritarian militaries sometimes fight very well<U+0127> and sometimes very poorly. Talmadge's framework for understanding battlefield effectiveness focuses on four key sets of military organizational practices: promotion patterns, training regimens, command arrangements, and information management. Different regimes face different domestic and international threat environments, leading their militaries to adopt different policies in these key areas of organizational behavior. Authoritarian regimes facing significant coup threats are likely to adopt practices that squander the state's military power, while regimes lacking such threats and possessing ambitious foreign policy goals are likely to adopt the effective practices often associated with democracies. Talmadge shows the importance of threat conditions and military organizational practices for battlefield performance in two paired comparisons of states at war: North and South Vietnam (1963<U+0127> 1975) and Iran and Iraq (1980<U+0127> 1988). Drawing on extensive documentary sources, her analysis demonstrates that threats and practices can vary not only between authoritarian regimes but also within them, either over time or across different military units. The result is a persuasive explanation of otherwise puzzling behavior by authoritarian militaries. The Dictator's Army offers a vital practical tool for those seeking to assess the likely course, costs, and outcomes of future conflicts involving nondemocratic adversaries, allies, or coalition partners.--, Provided by Publisher

Introduction: the puzzle of battlefield effectiveness -- A framework for explaining battlefield effectiveness -- Threats and military organizational practices in North and South Vietnam -- Battlefield effectiveness in North and South Vietnam -- Threats and military organizational practices in Iraq and Iran -- Battlefield effectiveness in Iraq and Iran -- Conclusion: threats, military organizational practices, and the battlefields of the future