Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies

This text explores how unconventional warfare tactics have opposed past and present governments all over the world, from 18th-century guerrilla warfare to the urban terrorism of today. Insurgency remains one of the most prevalent forms of conflict and presents a crucial challenge to the international community, governments and the military.;In addition to examining the tactics of guerrilla leaders such as Lawrence, Mao, Guevara and Marighela, the book also analyzes the counter-insurgency theories of Gallieni, Callwell, Thompson and Kitson. It explores such conflicts as: the American War of Independence; Napoleon's campaign in Spain; the wars of decolonization; the superpowers in Vietnam and Afghanistan; and conflicts in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Colombia.;Encompassing both insurgency and counter-insurgency in an analytic and historical framework, the one-volume study should be a useful aid for students of history, strategic studies and international relations and for military professionals.

"this is a first rate book [with] an excellent up-to-date bibliography at the end of each chapter."-The International History Review, December 2002