British soldier examines a damaged train after an attack by Boer guerrillas.
"Introduction: Modern Insurgency and Counterinsurgency in Comparative Perspective"
Journal Article, Civil Wars, The Origins and Effectiveness of Insurgent and Counterinsurgent Strategies, volume 9, issue 4, pages 313-323
December 2007
Author: Alexander B. Downes, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2007–2008
Belfer Center Programs or Projects: International Security
Why do individuals and groups take up arms to wage guerrilla insurgencies? How are insurgent groups organized, and what strategies and tactics do they use? What determines how insurgent groups treat civilian populations? How can states best defeat insurgencies? Is violence—including the killing of civilians—an effective tool of counterinsurgency (COIN), or are softer 'hearts and minds' strategies more likely to yield results?
For more information about this publication please contact the ISP Program Coordinator at 617-496-1981.
For Academic Citation:
