TRANSNATIONAL INSURGENCIES AND THE ESCALATION OF REGIONAL CONFLICT: LESSONS FOR IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

Many contemporary insurgencies are characterized
by militant groups that span national boundaries,
benefitting from sanctuaries in neighboring states.
Such groups complicate traditional counterinsurgency
operations and have the potential to spark conflict
between states. While some countries have engaged in
cooperative strategies to contain transnational violence,
many neighbors have been drawn into prolonged
conflict over the issue of foreign sanctuaries.
In this monograph, Dr. Idean Salehyan examines
several recent transnational insurgencies and their
implications for regional relations. While the majority
of cases resulted in an escalation of conflict between
neighbors, in some instances countries have been
able to construct successful border security regimes.
This monograph discusses these patterns of conflict
and cooperation. Additionally, detailed analyses of
the relations between Rwanda and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, as well as India and its
neighbors, are offered to shed light on positive and
negative dynamics.
Importantly, Dr. Salehyan uses past cases of
conflict and cooperation over transnational militancy
to underscore the current issues facing Iraq and
Afghanistan. Looking ahead to the eventual reduction
of foreign troops in these countries, this monograph
assesses prospects for regional stability and offers
concrete policy advice for decisionmakers.