Unwanted Allies: What Influences Negative Domestic Reactions to Deploying Forces Into Allied States‪?‬

An often overlooked consideration in security planning is that severe and policy-shifting consequences can result from the deployment of military forces into an allied state. A negative reaction to the deployment within the host state itself is one of the most visible. In defiance of careful negotiations, domestic dissatisfaction has historically altered policies and security objectives of the host state, deploying state, and larger alliance structure, if applicable. With the rise in media and communication technology fueling international grassroots political movements, it is now more critical than ever that policy planners understand the factors that encourage negative domestic reactions. Growing international concerns have prompted many to establish, or consider establishing, postings in allied countries, and future deployments of this type are currently being planned. Thus, it is also vital to future security studies. Yet despite its importance and relevance, there has been little focus onto this general question within international relations literature. We are left asking: What motivates and encourages negative domestic reactions to the deployment of military forces into an allied state? The answer is critical to a growing number of nations. Several states maintain a military presence within allied countries today. French military personnel are located in at least nine different allied countries outside of France. British troops can be found in Canada, Germany, and Cyprus. The U.S. military reports that it maintains 702 facilities worldwide. (1) Russian troops are located in several former Soviet countries. India has recently established a base at Farkhor in Tajikistan. (2) The placement of military forces into an allied state occurs often and is done by more than just the United States.