全球智库信息集成服务系统

Armies Must Be Assisted with an Eye Toward Enhancing Legitimacy

• The extent to which a client military contributes to nation-building by enhancing state legitimacy might be more important to U.S. SFA goals than its military capabilities.
• As indicators of SFA success, national cohesion and identity can matter as much, if not more, than military capability.

The Case Studies Make Clear That Critical to the Success of a Fragile or Beleaguered State Is the Extent to Which Its Leaders Are Committed Nation Builders

• The United States is unlikely to make much headway unless the host-nation's own government is itself engaged in a comprehensive nation-building project, which must include promoting a specific national identity that supports its legitimacy.
• The United States can influence and strengthen another country's nation-building efforts.

There Is a Range in the Extent to Which Host-Nation Leaders Have Engaged in Nation-Building Projects

• Some have clear ideas about how to proceed and are actively working toward nation building goals but could benefit from assistance.
• Other nations lack any vision or program and will have to be convinced of their importance.
• The United States should recognize the limits of what SFA can do especially if it determines the host nations to be inattentive to nation-building.