The Juicebox Mafia made a big deal out of mocking the notion that ‘determination’ is an important ingredient in strategic success in conflicts (like Iraq and Afghanistan). It’s amusing to see the concrete manifestation of the ‘GLE’ in domestic politics – Democratic voters are apparently feeling disinclined to participate electorally – which is going to have some significant effects next year.

There’s actually an interesting literature on domestic conflict and signaling in international relations – I’ll try and fold something in when I write about Afghanistan tomorrow night.
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