Rethinking Counterinsurgency

RAND Counterinsurgency Study--Volume 5

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security, Science & Nature, Technology, Military Science
Cover of the book Rethinking Counterinsurgency by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy, RAND Corporation
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy ISBN: 9780833044853
Publisher: RAND Corporation Publication: April 30, 2008
Imprint: RAND Corporation Language: English
Author: John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
ISBN: 9780833044853
Publisher: RAND Corporation
Publication: April 30, 2008
Imprint: RAND Corporation
Language: English

During the period of decolonization in Asia and Africa, the United Kingdom faced more insurgent activity than any other Western power. British government officials and military forces proved proficient at defeating or controlling these rebellions. However, these uprisings were much less complex than the modern jihadist insurgency. Past insurgent movements were primarily monolithic or national in form, had very specific local goals, and derived most of their power from the local population. These limitations made past rebellions vulnerable to strong military responses. In contrast, the modern jihadist insurgency is characterized by its complex and global nature. Unlike past insurgent forms that aspired to shape national politics, the jihadist movement espouses larger thematic goals, like overthrowing the global order. The modern jihadist insurgency is also more global in terms of its popular support and operational territory. It makes far better use of communications technology and propaganda to reach the minds and hearts of global audiences. The contemporary international security environment has therefore become a frustrating place for Western powers. Despite great technological and military advances, British and U.S. counterinsurgency (COIN) operations have been slow to respond and adapt to the rise of the global jihadist insurgency. Operational failures in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the need for the West to rethink and retool its current COIN strategy. After analyzing past British COIN experiences and comparing them to the evolving nature of the modern jihadist insurgency, the authors suggest a new framework for future COIN operations.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During the period of decolonization in Asia and Africa, the United Kingdom faced more insurgent activity than any other Western power. British government officials and military forces proved proficient at defeating or controlling these rebellions. However, these uprisings were much less complex than the modern jihadist insurgency. Past insurgent movements were primarily monolithic or national in form, had very specific local goals, and derived most of their power from the local population. These limitations made past rebellions vulnerable to strong military responses. In contrast, the modern jihadist insurgency is characterized by its complex and global nature. Unlike past insurgent forms that aspired to shape national politics, the jihadist movement espouses larger thematic goals, like overthrowing the global order. The modern jihadist insurgency is also more global in terms of its popular support and operational territory. It makes far better use of communications technology and propaganda to reach the minds and hearts of global audiences. The contemporary international security environment has therefore become a frustrating place for Western powers. Despite great technological and military advances, British and U.S. counterinsurgency (COIN) operations have been slow to respond and adapt to the rise of the global jihadist insurgency. Operational failures in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the need for the West to rethink and retool its current COIN strategy. After analyzing past British COIN experiences and comparing them to the evolving nature of the modern jihadist insurgency, the authors suggest a new framework for future COIN operations.

More books from RAND Corporation

Cover of the book Imported Oil and U.S. National Security by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Developing an Army Strategy for Building Partner Capacity for Stability Operations by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Deterrence and First-Strike Stability in Space by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Libya After Qaddafi by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Fostering Innovation in Community and Institutional Corrections by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book The 21st Century at Work: Forces Shaping the Future Workforce and Workplace in the United States by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Reparable Harm by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book The Power to Coerce by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Enlisting Madison Avenue by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book The Changing Role of Criminal Law in Controlling Corporate Behavior by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book A Blueprint for Improving the Promotion and Delivery of Adult Vaccination in the United States by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Libya's Post-Qaddafi Transition by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Exploring the Association Between Military Base Neighborhood Characteristics and Soldiers' and Airmen's Outcomes by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book Improving Decisionmaking in a Turbulent World by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
Cover of the book From Insurgency to Stability by John Mackinlay, Alison Al-Baddawy
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy