Assessing the impact of non-military aid on tactical military effectiveness: The case of Iraq between 2004 and 2014

Marco Nicola Binetti

International Interactions, 2025, vol. 51, issue 5, 822-849

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between non-military aid targeting healthcare, sanitation, and energy (HSE) infrastructure and the tactical military effectiveness of government forces (GTME) in conflict zones, with a focus on Iraq between 2004 and 2014. Existing research on the interplay between aid and conflict is characterized by inconsistent findings and limited attention to tactical dynamics. This study addresses these gaps by analyzing how the volume of aid and territorial control interact to influence GTME. The central argument posits that increased HSE aid enhances the offensive and defensive capacities of warring factions, while territorial control in areas receiving aid enables these factions to translate resources into tangible military advantages. To test this hypothesis and account for the endogeneity of aid allocation, the analysis employs two-stage least-squares models, using individual battles as the unit of analysis. The findings align with theoretical expectations and deepen understanding of how aid allocation strategies shape tactical military outcomes.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:ginixx:v:51:y:2025:i:5:p:822-849

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DOI: 10.1080/03050629.2025.2530542

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