Joint Special Operations University
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JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY
Dr. Kevin Fridy and Dr. Molly Ariotti assert that a CT eect in Burkina
Faso can be more fruitfully generated by incorporating the range of
Burkinabè informal governance providers into joint, interagency, and
partner operational concepts. Although joint doctrine correctly notes
the host nation (HN) government must invite U.S. Special Operations
Forces into the country, it errs in assuming that only the HN provides the
population with governance. By dierentiating between the concepts
of government and governance, Fridy and Ariotti demonstrate how
local political legitimacy can be enhanced—and the allure of violent
extremist organizations diminished—by enhancing indigenous, infor-
mal governance structures. Although written from the perspective of
CT, readers are encouraged to imagine how SOF could apply the insights
in the context of great power competition as well.
ISBN 978-1-941715-45-1
JSOU Report 20-3 Evidence for Burkina Faso Ariotti/Fridy
A Burkina Faso Armed Forces soldier patrols the area during the opening days of
Flintlock near ies, Senegal, on February . Flintlock is U.S. Africa Com-
mand’s premier and largest annual Special Operations Forces exercise, designed to
strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist
organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. Photo by
U.S. Army Specialist Miguel Pena.
Informal Governance as a Force
Multiplier in Counterterrorism:
Evidence for Burkina Faso
Margaret H. Ariotti and Kevin S. Fridy
JSOU Report 20-3
