An Analytical Framework for Assessing Religion as a Factor in Military Effectiveness: Islam as a Case Study
[Thesis]
Rebecca B. Edelston
Downes, Alexander; Biddle, Stephen
The George Washington University
2015
40
Place of publication: United States, Ann Arbor; ISBN=978-1-339-40358-8
M.A.
Security Policy Studies
The George Washington University
2015
This paper provides an analytical framework for understanding the mechanisms by which religion can and does influence a state's military effectiveness in certain cases, so as to be able to recognize similar, though not identical, phenomena elsewhere and to hedge against the challenges or leverage the opportunities that accompany it, as the case may be. Specifically, this paper analyzes how Islam might affect unit cohesion and morale, mobilization of national resources, the integration of tactics and strategy, and organizational policies.