| ID | 142646 |
| Title Proper | Asymmetry of values, indigenous forces, and incumbent success in counterinsurgency |
| Other Title Information | evidence from Chechnya |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Souleimanov, Emil A ; Aliyev, Huseyn |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article fills the gap in existing scholarship on asymmetric conflict, indigenous forces, and how socio-cultural codes shape the dynamics and outcomes of conflict transformation. Specifically, it identifies three key socio-cultural values commonplace in honorific societies: retaliation, hospitality, and silence. As sources of effective pro-insurgent violent mobilisation and support from among the local population, these values provide insurgents with an asymmetric advantage over much stronger incumbents. Using the case studies of the two Russian counterinsurgencies in Chechnya, the article shows the mechanisms on the ground through which Moscow’s deployment of indigenous forces against insurgents helped to stem the tide of conflict, reversing the insurgents’ initial advantage in terms of asymmetry of values. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol. 38, No.5; Aug 2015: p.678-703 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol: 38 No 5 |
| Key Words | Counterinsurgency ; Chechnya ; Asymmetric Conflict ; North Caucasus ; Indigenous Forces ; Asymmetry of Values |