How do the weak defeat the strong? Ivan Arreguín-Toft argues that, although many factors affect asymmetric conflict outcomes (for example, the relative power of the actors, their weapons technology, and outside support), the interaction of each actor's strategy is the best explanation. Supporting his argument with combined statistical and comparative case study analysis, Arreguín-Toft's strategic interaction theory has implications not only for international relations theorists, but for policy makers grappling with interstate and civil wars, as well as terrorism.
Contents
List of figures; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. Explaining asymmetric conflict outcomes; 3. Russia in the Caucasus: the Murid War, 1830–1859; 4. Britain in Orange Free State and Transvaal: the South African War, 1899–1902; 5. Italy in Ethiopia: the Italo-Ethiopian War, 1935–1940; 6. The United States in Vietnam: the Vietnam War, 1965–1973; 7. The USSR in Afghanistan: the Afghan Civil War, 1979–1989; 8. Conclusion; Appendix; References; Index.
Review
"an invaluable contribution"
Parameters, U.S. Army War College Quarterly
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