The “IWI Partners and Proxies Special Project Kickoff Event” held on May 10, 2023, featured an insightful discussion on the complexities of working with proxies and partners in irregular warfare. The event commenced with an introduction of the keynote speakers: General Joseph Votel, a retired U.S. Army four-star general with extensive experience in combating terrorism, and Dr. Vladimir Rauta, an associate professor of International Security at the University of Reading. Both experts provided their perspectives on the evolving nature of terrorism and the strategic importance of partnerships.
General Votel emphasized the persistent political motivations behind terrorism, noting that despite changes in tactics and technology, the core drivers remain constant. He highlighted the increasing violence and radicalization fueled by advanced technologies and the internet. Votel stressed the need for the U.S. and its allies to maintain robust, proactive strategies and ensure that counterterrorism efforts are well-integrated into national defense policies. He underscored the importance of international cooperation, efficient appraisal systems, and addressing the root causes of radicalization.
In discussing his command experience, Votel detailed the strategic approach to building and sustaining relationships with partners, particularly during the campaign against ISIS. He recounted the critical role of relationships in achieving operational success, stressing the necessity of thick, resilient partnerships that extend beyond the top leadership to subordinates. The successful collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was highlighted as a model of effective partnership, where alignment of objectives and mutual trust were key factors.
Dr. Vladimir Rauta expanded on the theoretical aspects of proxy warfare, explaining the principal-agent relationships that underpin such collaborations. He noted that the scholarly interest in these dynamics is reflected in real-world practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding how various actors, both state and non-state, interact within these frameworks. Rauta’s insights into the complexities and challenges of these relationships provided a deeper understanding of the strategic considerations involved in managing proxies.
The conversation underscored the necessity of comprehensive approaches to irregular warfare, where military efforts are complemented by political, diplomatic, and humanitarian initiatives. The synergy between academic theories and practical experiences highlighted during the event offered valuable perspectives on enhancing the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing contemporary security threats.
The discussion also addressed the evolution of the “by, with, and through” model from previous engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq to its current application in Syria. This model has matured over time, reflecting lessons learned from various conflicts. It has proven to be a sustainable approach that can be adapted to different geopolitical contexts, including potential applications in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe. The adaptability of this model is seen as crucial for future operations, where the U.S. will continue to rely on partners and proxies to address global security challenges.
The conversation then shifted to the role of private military companies like the Wagner Group, which has been used extensively by Russia in various conflicts, including in Ukraine and across Africa. The speakers highlighted the sophisticated irregular warfare tactics employed by Wagner and its integration into the Russian military strategy. The Wagner Group’s operations have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining regular and irregular military approaches, posing significant challenges to Western military strategies.
Additionally, the event explored the potential for leveraging commercial entities in military operations. The use of technology and innovation from the defense industrial base, such as partnerships with companies like Starlink and Palantir in Ukraine, was discussed as a way to enhance military capabilities. The need for the military to understand and integrate these technologies efficiently was emphasized as a critical area for future development.
In conclusion, the event underscored the importance of strategic alignment, adaptability, and the integration of innovative technologies in modern military operations. The “by, with, and through” approach remains a cornerstone of U.S. military strategy, enabling effective collaboration with partners and proxies to address complex global security challenges.
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