Understanding Desertion in Conflict: A Systematic Review of Causes

Abstract

Desertion has been a subject of interest within both academic and military communities for over a century, largely due to its disruptive impact on military operations. However, existing literature on the topic remains fragmented, limiting the development of a comprehensive understanding of desertion behavior and its broader implications. This study sought to address this gap through a systematic review of the literature on desertion in conflict. A preliminary review of the literature suggested that desertion is influenced by a combination of individual, unit, organizational, state, societal, opportunistic, and punitive factors. To examine this proposition, a systematic review was conducted, synthesizing findings from 21 studies spanning 101 years and encompassing a range of conflicts. Reasons for desertion were extracted from each study and analyzed thematically, confirming that the data aligned with the proposed categories. The findings offer theoretical, practical, and policy insights, contributing to a more structured understanding of desertion behavior. Additionally, the study provides actionable recommendations for mitigating desertion within the U.S. military and leveraging desertion as a strategic tool against adversarial forces.