MACMILLAN Coping with Caveats in Coalition Warfare: An Empirical Research Program

This book develops a framework for analysis, and a set of research strategies, to better understand the conditions and mechanisms involved in the considerable use of caveats by states contributing militarily to coalition operations. In the professional language of military servicemen, security analysts and decision-makers, “caveats” refers to the reservations on the use of force states put on their military contingents as a precondition to participate in particular multinational enforcement operations. Such understood caveats are an instrument of statecraft and foreign policy. However, caveats also are a potential threat to the integrity and military effectiveness of the coalition force in question, and, further down the road, an erosion on the fabric of security alliances. This volume is ideal for audiences interested in military and defence studies, security studies and coalition warfare. Review “The study of national restrictions, or caveats, in multinational military operations is surprisingly still in its infancy. Fermann’s book not only addresses this gap but will serve as a crucial guide for anyone interested in how alliances and coalitions actually fight. The book not only clearly explains what caveats are, but sharply explains why countries put various limits on the troops and units they provide to collective efforts, such as those in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and elsewhere.” (Stephen M. Saideman, Paterson Chair in International Affairs, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada) “This ambitious book completely lives up to its promises: the 12 chapters thoroughly prepare the grounds for a research program on ‘caveats in coalition warfare’ – one of the most relevant collective action issues in international relations. In an impressively systematic approach, the author addresses conceptual issues characterizing the object of investigation. Moreover, always grounded in a thorough review of the respective pertinent literature, the usefulness of Foreign Policy Analysis approaches, theoretical avenues for empirical research as much as challenges of method choices, data-collection and interpretation are systematically considered. In conclusion, any reader of the book will eagerly wait for this programme to be translated into (comparative) case studies in a follow-up volume or by other researchers drawing on this outstandingly insightful achievement.” (Ingo Peters, Associate professor, Center for Transnational Studies, Foreign and Security Policy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany) “Why do states apply caveats when making contributions to military coalitions? Drawing on insights from foreign policy analysis, Gunnar Fermann develops an empirical research program for the study of national restrictions in coalition operations. This book is essential reading for anyone interesting in the politics of military coalitions.” (Patrick A. Mello, Interim Franz Haniel Professor for Public Policy, University of Erfurt, Germany) “Learning how to ask research questions is a fundamental element of anyone’s graduate education and subsequent research. In this book, Gunnar Fermann proposes a systematic framework for asking the right questions on the use of caveats in coalition forces. This work will be widely used in graduate programs, generating significant research projects.” (Laura Neack, Professor, Department of Political Science, and Editor-in-Chief, International Studies Perspectives, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA) “Caveats can be absolutely disastrous to the success of any operation, and they are increasingly common, yet not much studied. Professor Fermann has written an extremely useful and highly interesting book on how the research frontier on the politics of caveats be moved forward – conceptually, analytically, theoretically, and methodologically.” (Janne Haaland Matlary, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Oslo, and Adjunct