Why Allies Rebel

'Elias is thoughtful and ambitious, using archival data to draw lessons from disparate proxy counterinsurgencies, including India in Sri Lanka, and the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, among others. She applies those lessons to current dilemmas in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Given the current accumulation of unresolved subnational wars, this volume deserves careful consideration by policymakers and scholars.' Eli Berman, Professor of Economics, University of California San Diego, and co-editor of Proxy Wars 'Barbara Elias analyzes the behavior of local allies in nine counterinsurgencies, delivering policy-relevant advice for major powers. The book has a splendid range of cases, impressive archival research, and a compelling theoretical argument - a model of rigorous political science.' Audrey Kurth Cronin, Professor and Director, Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, School of International Service, American University 'Barbara Elias wrestles with one of the primary dilemmas that has faced American counterinsurgency efforts since World War II, how to get local partners to cooperate in doing everything that has been deemed necessary for success in the campaign. She demonstrates that this has been a common problem for any intervening force in such situations, and presents some guidelines to determine the potential for local compliance. There is much to ponder in this well-researched study for both policy-makers and practitioners.' Conrad C. Crane, author of Cassandra in Oz: Counterinsurgency and Future War