Switching Sides: Coalition Warfare in Recent Afghan History

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA521992 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper examines the complexities of coalition warfare in recent Afghan history to better understand the apparently well-accepted practice there of switching sides. It applies international relations theory to sub-national conflict, describes and analyzes the importance of power in Afghanistan, and evaluates the historical acceptance of switching sides in Afghan conflicts to provide a foundation for examining recent examples of flexible allegiance. These recent examples of switching sides between coalitions are drawn from the anti-Communist Jihad 1978-1992, the post-jihad Afghan Civil War 1992-1998, and Operation Enduring Freedom 2001-2002. The conclusions and recommendations are meant to inform future military planning efforts relative to coalition warfare in Afghanistan.

Author(s):
Lynch, Timothy J.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Supplementary Note:
Strategy Research Project.
Pagination:
0040

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USAWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_3.1.2_Maneuver to Insert; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY PLANNING, *AFGHANISTAN, *CONFLICT, *POLITICAL ALLIANCES, *MILITARY HISTORY, *SWITCHING, COMMUNISM, BALANCE OF POWER, PARAMILITARY FORCES, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, THEORY, MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), GOVERNMENT(FOREIGN), AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT, MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES), USSR
Field(s)/Group(s):
Government and Political Science, Humanities and History, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*COALITION WARFARE, *SWITCHING SIDES, COUP D ETAT, SAUR REVOLUTION, SOVIET INVASION, AFGHAN SOVIET WAR, AFGHAN CIVIL WAR, ENDURING FREEDOM OPERATION, ALLEGIANCE, TALIBAN, POLITICAL RECONCILIATION, ANTI GOVERNMENT COALITIONS, PRO GOVERNMENT COALITIONS, PRO TALIBAN COALITIONS, ANTI TALIBAN COALITIONS
Report Date:
2010 Apr 01
Creation Date:
2010 Jun 23