What explains the failure of U.S. army reconstruction in Afghanistan?

ABSTRACT

This author wrote his doctorate thesis on post-conflict army reconstruction, submitting it in 2011. Continued research on the subject in the intervening seven years indicates that his theoretical propositions can be refined and improved. This article examines refinements to the model, and then applies those refinements in detail to the Afghan case. In so doing, it shifts the focus from potentially altruistic state-building to a case that was driven by pure national-strategic interests. Issues surrounding the liberal peace ideology dominate recent army reconstruction in conflict-affected states. The liberal peace underpinning is of supreme importance, so much so that in many discussions, it is internalised and accepted virtually without thought. This paper will advance the body of knowledge by establishing, for the first time, a theoretical basis for the widespread failure of army reconstruction in Afghanistan. The empirical basis builds on extensive previous research by other scholars. The resulting model can also be applied to better explain outcomes in other similar cases.     

Brazilian National Defence Policy: foreign policy,national security,economic growth,and technological innovation

ABSTRACT

With the world’s ninth largest economy and comprising nearly 60% of South America’s GDP, 47% of its territory, and 49% of its population, Brazil has become a regional power and an important actor in world affairs over recent decades. This scenario has led the government to re-evaluate its role in the world order, resulting in the enactment of the National Defence Policy, whose objective was to consolidate the country as a regional power while at the same time addressing national security issues, promoting economic development through a series of defence programmes, restructuring the defence industrial base, fostering innovation through technology and knowledge transfer to Brazil, and indigenous research and development. However, the policy’s implementation suffers from several challenges discussed in this article, which may test the capability and competence of Brazilian policymakers, military, industrialists, and other individuals and organisations involved in its implementation.     

The subversion of the Bulgarian defence system – the Russian way

Russia has long been pursuing an intended and calculated policy of keeping enough influence in Bulgaria in order to have control over national decisions. Together with the economic, energy, political and information tools used by Russia in its hybrid war against Bulgaria and in its bid to achieve an enduring “state capture,” defence is also a distinct target of Russian subversion now. A list of noticeable subversive actions with tangible effects can be summarised, ranging from fuelling division and manipulating public opinion, preventing the strengthening of the NATO position in the Black Sea, sabotaging defence reform to various options of subverting the modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and seeking new ways to keep legacy Soviet military equipment in operation as long as possible. This issue must be urgently addressed both nationally and in NATO.     

Feeding the Lion: China and defence development in African states

ABSTRACT

In analysing trends in Chinese defence engagement and their impact on defence development in African states, it is important to consider both China's changing policy priorities and its capabilities for the provision of defence support. China's international ambitions and its economic development contribute to its emergence as a key supporter of defence capability development in Africa, occupying a crucial niche as a provider of support, particularly arms transfers, appropriate to evolving local requirements. The economic and politico-military imperatives driving China's engagement of Africa, which stem from its economic reforms and re-emergence as a great power, are facilitating defence modernisation by accelerating the introduction of modern arms in substantial quantities. The commercial importance of arms exports and the growing importance of strategic ties strongly situate China to help sustain processes of defence capability development in African states over the long term.     

基地化试验训练研究与启示

自动控制技术、信号处理技术、元器件工艺水平等的进步,推进了武器装备集成化、标准化和小型化,使其呈现出信息化程度高、系统性强、维护维修性复杂等特点。为满足武器装备作战训练的需求,本文阐述了基地化试验训练的基础,分析了基地化试验训练现状,提出基地化试验训练建设发展启示,以提高武器装备的作战应用水平。     

部队实战化训练战场电磁环境构建

战场电磁环境构建是部队实战化训练的重要工作内容和现实难题。系统分析部队实战化训练的多层次需求和电磁环境构建现状,梳理总结战场电磁环境构建需求,总结概括了构建原则要求、构建对象和要素等战场电磁环境构建要点,并重点对构建实施的构建流程、构建方法和监测评估进行了设计分析。从装备要素、指挥控制和作战决策等方面,展望部队实战化训练的战场电磁环境构建,有益于部队实战化训练水平提升。     

加强海防部队信息化建设

陆军海防部队是新型陆军的重要组成部分。军队规模结构和力量编成调整改革后,海防部队进行了全面整体重塑。海防部队信息化建设矛盾仍存在规划建设多元、装备相对滞后等问题。信息化建设应立足海防部队"岸岛海衔接、侦攻防一体"要求,尽快解决薄弱问题,加速推进向信息化、智能化海防转型发展。     

快速航天发射现状与建设

快速航天发射以其响应快、成本低等优势,能较好地满足军民商快速太空进入的需求。概述了快速航天发射军用牵引、商用助推的发展特点,分析了未来军民商领域对快速航天发射的新需求。归纳了快速航天发射的发展历程和发展模式,分析了美军太空军事演习对快速航天发射的促进作用。基于美国在快速进入太空的需求评估、技术发展、管理制度等方面取得的经验教训,探讨我国快速航天发射的主要制约因素。针对美国新太空战略威慑和太空霸权,为我国快速航天发射力量建设提出相应的发展建议。     

战疫视角下区块链推动应急物流发展研究

应急物流是应对突发事件的重要支撑,也在此次抗击疫情中发挥了重要作用.区块链技术的特点与应急物流有许多内在的契合点,有利于推动实现高效、可信、智能化的保障,提升应急物流建设水平,助力疫情防控与应急管理.本文基于疫情防控物资保障视角,着眼保障过程、信任机制和运行特点,采取理论论证与案例结合、技术分析与应用结合的方法,论证区...