Assessing the role of military leaders’ attributes in military effectiveness

Official URL: https://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b3422510

Military power is a cornerstone of international relations, encompassing resources, capabilities, the willingness to use them, and the military effectiveness in achieving objectives. Despite extensive research in war literature, significant gaps persist in understanding the factors influencing the success rates of military leaders in wars. The direct impact of military leaders on military effectiveness is undeniable. Unfortunately, the role of military leaders’ attributes in shaping wartime outcomes has been notably underexplored. Additionally, the characteristics of military leaders, particularly those commanding at the operational level, have been largely overlooked in previous studies. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining these attributes and their influence on military success. To illustrate the significance of military leaders on military effectiveness, this research introduces a unique and first-of-itskind ’TURCO’ dataset, containing information about Ottoman (Turkish) battlefield commanders’ competence and loyalty levels during the Balkan Wars in 1912-13 and the Gallipoli Campaign 1915-16 as a part of a series of wars during World War I, is a pioneering effort in the field. This dissertation highlights how military leaders’ attributes influence military effectiveness. The findings underscore the critical role of commanders in achieving success, with competence emerging as a key factor, particularly in the Ottoman Empire’s final wars. Contrary to prevailing views, this research shows that loyalty’s impact is significantly shaped by commanders’ inherent qualities and prominence within the military in the Turkish context.