Publication

This paper argues that weaknesses in US operations in fragile states like Iraq and Afghanistan result from not understanding the causes and importance of political instability in these countries and consequently being devoid of political development efforts. The author argues that, in order to be more effective, US military doctrine and strategy must acknowledge the importance of political development and recognize that political stability relies on institutions that facilitate citizen input into the political system by organizing political participation, mobilizing voters and holding leaders and institutions to account.