Evaluating the efficacy of indigenous forces in counterinsurgency: lessons from Chechnya and Dagestan

Souleimanov, E. A. and Aliyev, H. (2016) Evaluating the efficacy of indigenous forces in counterinsurgency: lessons from Chechnya and Dagestan. Small Wars and Insurgencies, 27(3), pp. 392-416. (doi: 10.1080/09592318.2016.1151658)

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Abstract

This study seeks to identify factors conducive to the (in)efficacy of indigenous forces (IF) in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in Russia’s republics of Chechnya and Dagestan. Empirically, it is the first study to offer an examination of the deployment of IF in the North Caucasus-based COIN. The findings of this article emphasize that the effectiveness of COIN in Chechnya, unlike Dagestan, is conditioned by a number of factors pertaining to the structural and organizational characteristics of IF. Of these, the IF’s experience as former insurgents, their access to insider information, and their loyalty to incumbents – often maintained by the threat of collective punishment – have proven decisive for a relatively successful COIN in Chechnya.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Aliyev, Dr Huseyn
Authors: Souleimanov, E. A., and Aliyev, H.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
Journal Name:Small Wars and Insurgencies
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0959-2318
ISSN (Online):1743-9558
Published Online:25 April 2016

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