Defense and Development in Less Developed Countries

A method is described for examining the question of how military assistance programs in less-developed countries, and their defense forces and budgets, can be modified so as to yield about equivalent military effectiveness, and yet generate improved economic and political side-effects. Research concerned with applying this method to case studies in Viet-Nam and Iran is summarized. The research suggests ways in which program improvements with enhanced side-effects may be made. Qualifications are warranted because of the uncertainties connected with the game-simulation technique for estimating military effectiveness, and the method of judging political side-effects, used in the study.