A Comparative Study of Counterinsurgency Strategy in Contested Territories: Lessons For Nigeria
Abstract
In the realm of state sovereignty, weakness can facilitate territorial contestation by violent non-state actors. Both Pakistan and Nigeria have grappled with the challenge of violent insurgent movements, stemming from their struggles to effectively govern their territories. In response to this shared predicament, both nations have employed an array of hard- and soft-power counterinsurgency strategies to address the growing security crisis. However, Pakistan has achieved greater success in this regard. This comparative case study delves into the counterinsurgency strategies pursued by Pakistan and Nigeria, seeking to unravel the factors underpinning Pakistan's superior outcomes, despite their similar capabilities. The study concludes that external aid from the United States notably fortified Pakistan's hard-power capabilities, enabling the substantial degradation of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operating in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas more effectively than Nigeria's response to the Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical role of hard power measures in the early phases of countering violent insurgent movements, asserting that the effectiveness' of soft-power strategies hinges upon their initial success. These findings are geared toward proffering policy recommendations to enhance Nigeria's counterinsurgency efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225454
Entities
People
- Tarilado C. Ogoina
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School