Counterinsurgency

Counterinsurgency (COIN) is a comprehensive approach designed to simultaneously defeat and contain insurgency and address its root causes. Unlike traditional combat operations, counterinsurgency operations are often protracted, complex and multidimensional, may include simultaneous offensive, defensive, and stability operations, and are often long term.

Definition

Counterinsurgency is defined by the United States Department of Defense as "comprehensive civilian and military efforts taken to simultaneously defeat and contain insurgency and address its root causes". An insurgency is a rebellion against a constituted authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents.

History

The concept of counterinsurgency has been around for centuries, but the term became popular during the Vietnam War. The British had success with their counterinsurgency efforts during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s. The United States has also had varying degrees of success with counterinsurgency, notably in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Strategies

Counterinsurgency strategies involve a mix of military, paramilitary, political, economic, psychological, and civic actions. These strategies aim to gain the support of the population and reduce the support for the insurgents.

Criticism

Critics of counterinsurgency argue that it is an inherently brutal and immoral practice, often involving the use of torture, assassination, and other human rights abuses. Others argue that it is ineffective, pointing to the long duration and high cost of many counterinsurgency campaigns.

See also

• Insurgency
• Guerrilla warfare
• Asymmetric warfare
• Terrorism