New Books in Political Science cover image

New Books in Political Science

Jonathan W. Hackett, "Theory of Irregular War" (McFarland, 2024)

Apr 7, 2024
Jonathan W. Hackett, author of 'Theory of Irregular War,' discusses dysfunctional governments, organized violence, and the lack of understanding in irregular wars. Topics include the influence of ideology, diverse actors in conflicts, intrinsic motivations, psychological aspects, contrasting approaches, and the relevance of the Westphalian system in modern warfare.
01:06:18

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Quick takeaways

  • In irregular wars, intrinsic motivations like belonging and security drive individuals to participate, regardless of ideological differences.
  • State dysfunction and territorial control issues contribute significantly to irregular wars, leading to conflicts and struggles for authority.

Deep dives

The Influence of Intrinsic Motivators in Irregular War Participants

In irregular wars, participants are often motivated by intrinsic factors such as reciprocity, authority, social proof, consistency, commitment, liking, and scarcity. These motivations play a significant role in driving individuals to join groups or engage in conflicts. For example, gangs may offer a sense of belonging, security, and identity that are lacking in their personal lives, leading them to join despite ideological differences.

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