The Future of Counterinsurgency

Contemporary Debates in Internal Security Strategy

Lawrence E. Cline, Paul Shemella, Lawrence E. Cline, Paul Shemella

• Publisher: Praeger
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9781440832994
• eBook ISBN: 9781440833007
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: National Security
• Index: Politics & International Relations

This thought-provoking work analyzes the major debates surrounding counterinsurgency campaigns and uncovers the internal security problems derailing effective strategies for restoring stability. As countries across the globe continue to adjust their security operations to counter an increasingly volatile political landscape, the issue of how to identify and derail a host of violent groups remains of considerable interest. This comprehensive volume offers an examination of the effectiveness of contemporary counterinsurgency efforts, revealing which approaches offer the greatest chances of success internally, regionally, and internationally. Featuring perspectives from experts and analysts in the field of irregular warfare and international security, this is an unparalleled exploration of all types of insurgency from warlordism, to piracy, to guerilla movements. The book looks beyond the popular focus on Iraq and Afghanistan, delving into the internal security operations of regions not normally studied. Chapters cover goal setting and measurements for restoring security, information operations and strategic communications between insurgent groups and governments, and the different approaches of governments in combating political unrest. Case studies include movements in Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and South Africa.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• 1. Thinking about COIN
• 2. British COIN: Myth or Reality?
• 3. Strategy and Outcome: What Does Winning Look Like?
• 4. Strategic Communication and COIN Ops in the Emerging Security Environment
• 5. The Case for Cultural Heritage Protection as an Element of COIN
• 6. Countering PIRA Financing and Combating the Ability of Insurgents to Raise Funds through Crime in Northern Ireland during “the Troubles”
• 7. COINdinistas versus Whack-a-Mole: The Debate on COIN Approaches
• 8. Sri Lanka and the Destruction of the Tamil Tigers
• 9. COIN Intelligence: Looking Forward by Looking Back
• 10. The “Others”: Complex Groups and Internal Security
• 11. Egypt: Confronting the Challenge of Low Level Insurgency
• 12. The Transnational Security Threat from D-Company
• 13. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria: Sustainable Insurgency or Paper Tiger?
• Selected Bibliography
• About the Contributors
• Index