Military Politics and Democracy in the Andes

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security, History
Cover of the book Military Politics and Democracy in the Andes by Maiah Jaskoski, Johns Hopkins University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Maiah Jaskoski ISBN: 9781421409085
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press Publication: August 15, 2013
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Maiah Jaskoski
ISBN: 9781421409085
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication: August 15, 2013
Imprint:
Language: English

Military Politics and Democracy in the Andes challenges conventional theories regarding military behavior in post-transition democracies. Through a deeply researched comparative analysis of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian armies, Maiah Jaskoski argues that militaries are concerned more with the predictability of their missions than with sovereignty objectives set by democratically elected leaders.

Jaskoski gathers data from interviews with public officials, private sector representatives, journalists, and more than 160 Peruvian and Ecuadorian officers from all branches of the military. The results are surprising. Ecuador’s army, for example, fearing the uncertainty of border defense against insurgent encroachment in the north, neglected this duty, thereby sacrificing the state’s security goals, acting against government orders, and challenging democratic consolidation. Instead of defending the border, the army has opted to carry out policing functions within Ecuador, such as combating the drug trade. Additionally, by ignoring its duty to defend sovereignty, the army is available to contract out its policing services to paying, private companies that, relative to the public, benefit disproportionately from army security.

Jaskoski also looks briefly at this theory's implications for military responsiveness to government orders in democratic Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela, and in newly formed democracies more broadly.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Military Politics and Democracy in the Andes challenges conventional theories regarding military behavior in post-transition democracies. Through a deeply researched comparative analysis of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian armies, Maiah Jaskoski argues that militaries are concerned more with the predictability of their missions than with sovereignty objectives set by democratically elected leaders.

Jaskoski gathers data from interviews with public officials, private sector representatives, journalists, and more than 160 Peruvian and Ecuadorian officers from all branches of the military. The results are surprising. Ecuador’s army, for example, fearing the uncertainty of border defense against insurgent encroachment in the north, neglected this duty, thereby sacrificing the state’s security goals, acting against government orders, and challenging democratic consolidation. Instead of defending the border, the army has opted to carry out policing functions within Ecuador, such as combating the drug trade. Additionally, by ignoring its duty to defend sovereignty, the army is available to contract out its policing services to paying, private companies that, relative to the public, benefit disproportionately from army security.

Jaskoski also looks briefly at this theory's implications for military responsiveness to government orders in democratic Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela, and in newly formed democracies more broadly.

More books from Johns Hopkins University Press

Cover of the book Polar Bears by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Between Church and State by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book From Madman to Crime Fighter by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Genoa and the Sea by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Cut These Words into My Stone by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Academic Capitalism in the Age of Globalization by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book The Problem with Pilots by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Eisenhower and the Cold War Economy by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Before and After Cancer Treatment by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book The Art of Alibi by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Reproduction in Mammals by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Suing Alma Mater by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Lagomorphs by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Making the Most of the Anthropocene by Maiah Jaskoski
Cover of the book Reducing Gun Violence in America by Maiah Jaskoski
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy