Expeditionary Economics in Turbulent Times
Abstract
The United States today finds itself in a turbulent era of failing and underdeveloped states. When a population either threatens or undertakes an overthrow of their government, the government will often request United States assistance for post-conflict stabilization. Often this assistance will extend past a normal security function and into the realm of economics. This monograph explores the term expeditionary economics and the importance of contextual understanding by military planners and commanders prior to intervening in another state's economic system. Additionally, analysis of the economic development of Peru provides examples of both successful and unsuccessful economic interventions. Lessons learned from Peru's defeat of the Shining Path provide an example of how a flawed approach fueled an insurgency while a perceptive approach helped eliminate the source of grievances within a population. While these lessons will not provide a formulaic answer to conducting future expeditionary economics, such knowledge provides better judgment in how to approach future interventions. Only through contextual understanding will military commanders and planners influence a state to change laws and economic practices in order to eliminate the source of economic grievances within a population and to increase economic growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 19, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546148
Entities
People
- James R. Connally
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College