{"product_id":"the-dictators-army-battlefield-effectiveness-in-authoritarian-regimes-cornell-studies-in-security-affairs","title":"The Dictator's Army: Battlefield Effectiveness in Authoritarian Regimes (Cornell Studies in Security Affairs)","description":"In The Dictator's Army, Caitlin Talmadge presents a compelling new argument to help us understand why authoritarian militaries sometimes fight very well―and sometimes very poorly. Talmadge's framework for understanding battlefield effectiveness focuses on four key sets of military organizational practices: promotion patterns, training regimens, command arrangements, and information management. Different regimes face different domestic and international threat environments, leading their militaries to adopt different policies in these key areas of organizational behavior.\nAuthoritarian regimes facing significant coup threats are likely to adopt practices that squander the state's military power, while regimes lacking such threats and possessing ambitious foreign policy goals are likely to adopt the effective practices often associated with democracies. Talmadge shows the importance of threat conditions and military organizational practices for battlefield performance in two paired comparisons of states at war: North and South Vietnam (1963–1975) and Iran and Iraq (1980–1988). Drawing on extensive documentary sources, her analysis demonstrates that threats and practices can vary not only between authoritarian regimes but also within them, either over time or across different military units. The result is a persuasive explanation of otherwise puzzling behavior by authoritarian militaries. The Dictator's Army offers a vital practical tool for those seeking to assess the likely course, costs, and outcomes of future conflicts involving nondemocratic adversaries, allies, or coalition partners.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1501700294\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: GBV.1501700294.A\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Acceptable\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Talmadge, Caitlin\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: This book is in acceptable condition and may have highlighting and or writing throughout. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo, dust jacket may be damaged or missing. Book may show internal and or external wear on spine or cover and may be slightly skewed or have creased pages. This is a used book so codes may be invalid or accompanying media may be missing. May be an Ex library book with stickers and stamps.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Good Books Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52467860832561,"sku":"GBV.1501700294.A","price":17.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0914\/3730\/2065\/files\/1501700294-0.jpg?v=1770245323","url":"https:\/\/goodbookscompany.org\/products\/the-dictators-army-battlefield-effectiveness-in-authoritarian-regimes-cornell-studies-in-security-affairs","provider":"Good Books Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}