Coalition formation and management in the Asia-Pacific region : the case of an American-Japanese-Australian combination

Wilkins, TS

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of multinational military operations or 'coalition warfare' framed within the wider context of the dichotomy between state-centric and multilateral approaches to national security in the Asia-Pacific region. The value of coalitions as 'force multipliers' cannot be denied. Yet, participating in a multilateral operation, whether peacekeeping or warfighting, raises a number of issues that if not properly addressed can threaten coalition cohesion and the attainment of allied goals. Theorising coalition behaviour to date has experienced difficulty in providing comprehensive or convincingly definitive explanations for why coalitions are formed, how common agendas are set, and through what means multinational capabilities are realised. This paper intends to contribute to filling the gaps in our current understanding of the phenomenon. It has the dual objective of both enriching the academic debate and offering guidance to policy-makers.

Citation

Wilkins, T. (2008, October). Coalition formation and management in the Asia-Pacific region : the case of an American-Japanese-Australian combination. Presented at Annual meeting of the International Studies Association, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Annual meeting of the International Studies Association
• Conference Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Start Date: Oct 10, 2008
• Publication Date: Oct 10, 2008
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2009
• Publisher URL: http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p71131_index.html
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference