steve on Nostr: “The Forgotten Front: Patron-Client Relationships in Counterinsurgency” by Walter ...
“The Forgotten Front: Patron-Client Relationships in Counterinsurgency” by Walter C. Ladwig III
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Much of the literature on counterinsurgency (COIN) focuses on the dynamic between a foreign population and a visiting military power. But what of the incumbent foreign government supposedly being bolstered during such operations? Ladwig, an Oxford-taught lecturer on international relations, addresses this literary gap and explores how agency theory impacts patron-client dynamics when one country provides aid to another during an insurgency. Following a very well-researched literature review, he uses the principle-agent framework to develop a theory on what types of aid actual result in more influence over a client state. Ladwig then compares inducements and conditional aid in three case studies: post-WWII Philippines, Vietnam, and 1980s El Salvador. His analysis shows that conditional aid—not mere “gifts” or grants—are the only forms of support that actually result in desirable behaviors and influence over a client state. Ladwig makes five policy recommendations based on these findings: 1️⃣ expect tense relations with the client 2️⃣ do not fear coercing allies during a crisis 3️⃣ make conditions clear, measurable, and realistic 4️⃣ prepare for internal domestic opposition to policies abroad 5️⃣ cultivate ties with local reformers. This was a very interesting read that correlates international relations with easily-understood psychological dynamics we all can relate to as individuals. Ladwig is particularly kind to the reader and not only explains what his research choices were, but why he made them. This is a fantastic book that sheds light on relationships between weak and strong states, particularly when insecurity is at the forefront. 🤝🎁
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Much of the literature on counterinsurgency (COIN) focuses on the dynamic between a foreign population and a visiting military power. But what of the incumbent foreign government supposedly being bolstered during such operations? Ladwig, an Oxford-taught lecturer on international relations, addresses this literary gap and explores how agency theory impacts patron-client dynamics when one country provides aid to another during an insurgency. Following a very well-researched literature review, he uses the principle-agent framework to develop a theory on what types of aid actual result in more influence over a client state. Ladwig then compares inducements and conditional aid in three case studies: post-WWII Philippines, Vietnam, and 1980s El Salvador. His analysis shows that conditional aid—not mere “gifts” or grants—are the only forms of support that actually result in desirable behaviors and influence over a client state. Ladwig makes five policy recommendations based on these findings: 1️⃣ expect tense relations with the client 2️⃣ do not fear coercing allies during a crisis 3️⃣ make conditions clear, measurable, and realistic 4️⃣ prepare for internal domestic opposition to policies abroad 5️⃣ cultivate ties with local reformers. This was a very interesting read that correlates international relations with easily-understood psychological dynamics we all can relate to as individuals. Ladwig is particularly kind to the reader and not only explains what his research choices were, but why he made them. This is a fantastic book that sheds light on relationships between weak and strong states, particularly when insecurity is at the forefront. 🤝🎁