Be Legit or Quit

Andrea Lopez examines methods used by both counterinsurgents and peacekeepers to build their own legitimacy and that of the host government while decreasing that of the opposition. She draws on a number of examples, from counterinsurgencies (COIN) in, among others, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaya, Chechnya, and Afghanistan, and from peacekeeping operations (PKO) in Angola, Mozambique, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others. The book does not argue that counterinsurgency and peacekeeping are synonymous. It seeks to carefully avoid conflating the two military operations as there are undeniable and important differences in goals and organizational actors. Nor is the book arguing there are lessons that can be applied in all cases. Both counterinsurgency and peacekeeping are affected by the particularities of the situation. Iraq is not Afghanistan. Mozambique is not Angola. The unique characteristics of each situation shape the degree to which force can and should be used, the ability to manipulate the host government, and the support from home populations. This book points out patterns of behavior that have succeeded in building legitimacy and achieving success for counterinsurgencies and peacekeeping operations. It examines best practices in COIN and PKO operations, both in doctrine and on the ground, and discusses the lessons that can be and should be shared by practitioners of each.

Andrea Lopez examineaza metodele folosite atat de contrainsurgenti, cat si de fortele de mentinere a pacii pentru a-si construi propria legitimitate si a guvernului gazda, diminuand in acelasi timp pe cea a opozitiei. Ea se bazeaza pe o serie de exemple, din contrainsurgente (COIN), printre altele, in Filipine, Vietnam, Malaya, Cecenia si Afganistan si din operatiuni de mentinere a pacii (PKO) din Angola, Mozambic, Bosnia si Hertegovina, Congo si altii.