tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755035051021414780.post8098549804337063187..comments2023-11-17T03:55:40.736-05:00Comments on Ink Spots: See, it really IS possible to write a good paper about security assistanceLilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373158801523577733noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755035051021414780.post-89179832617246680652010-05-14T14:43:16.790-04:002010-05-14T14:43:16.790-04:00Useful summary. Thanks!Useful summary. Thanks!Lilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18373158801523577733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755035051021414780.post-78064032249816898842010-05-13T22:38:42.545-04:002010-05-13T22:38:42.545-04:00I'd agree that the Reveron article is more use...I'd agree that the Reveron article is more useful than Mihalka/Wilcox. However, a couple of Reveron's assertions jumped out at me as fairly debatable (after a quick scan, I admit):<br /><br />1. Assisting weak states is a new-ish thing. I'd observe that we've been doing more security cooperation, for longer, than many realize...Stillwell in China, Landsdale in the Philippines, the Nixon Doctrine, post-cold war engagement, etc. The broader policy elite may just be (re)discovering security cooperation, but it's been a central pillar of American foreign policy, often directed at stabilizing shaky regimes, for generations.<br /><br />2. "If done well, security assistance activities are coordinated with other interagency activities beginning at the national level where both the State Department and the Office of the Secretary of Defense derive priorities and guidance from the National Security Strategy, which in turn drives the military’s theater campaign plans and Embassies’ mission strategic plans." I'm rather old school, but I'd argue that effective planning proceeds in the opposite direction - starting with the country teams and bubbling up to Washington for resource prioritization.<br /><br />Nevertheless, it's a useful primer on a complex topic, particularly for those who have entered the field in the era of ASFF/ISF and the 12 series authorities. I'll certainly be sending it around to new colleagues.c'est la guerrenoreply@blogger.com