Coup Prevention: A Critical Ingredient of Nation-Building Operations
Abstract
One potential component of nation-building operations, which is currently funded for Fiscal Year 2010 under Section 1206 of the National Defense Authorization Act, is a requirement to generate, train, and equip that nation's armed forces. In doing so, there is a risk of creating an armed force that may seek to take control of the county by means of a coup following the departure of the nation-building architects. The purpose of this research paper is two-fold. First, using historical examples and coup literature, we extract key indicators that signal the potential for a coup to occur. Secondly, we prescribe approaches that governments should apply in future nation-building scenarios to mitigate the risk of a coup following the departure of the nation-building architects and participating countries. A significant contribution that this research paper makes, in addition to a coup prevention methodology, is to illuminate the coordination and participation required by the Department of Defense and the Interagency (i.e., whole-of-government) when the United States is engaged in nation-building operations. These coup prevention approaches may be further included within national reconciliation strategies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA520041
Entities
People
- Michael V. Mccrea
Organizations
- United States Army War College