Implementation and utilization of security assistance: a multi-country analysis

Abstract

Security assistance encompasses a broad assortment of tools to include the sale or transfer of military equipment, grant funds, and education and training, all of which aim to build partner nation capacity. This project examines trends among the U.S. Foreign Military Sales, Foreign Military Financing, and Russia’s Military-Technical Cooperation Programs. Regional program trends are examined and further analysis is provided on the ground-level operational impact and the implications of changing levels of support in Indonesia, Lebanon, and Turkey. The effect on these countries’ engagement with the United States and other international providers is also analyzed. These programs are important means to obtain access to and influence militaries in allied and friendly nations. While these programs support the implementing nation’s foreign policy and national security objectives, and provide benefit to the recipient nation, there are concerns regarding competing interests. Given the ever-changing global environment, security assistance programs will remain essential to counter security threats and continue to evolve. Provider nations must carefully consider the costs and benefits of such assistance.