Switching Sides: Coalition Warfare in Recent Afghan History

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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA521992

Entities

People

  • Timothy J. Lynch

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Alliances
  • Civil War
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Insurgency
  • International Relations
  • Military Science
  • Students
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • History

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.