An Actor-centric Theory of War: Understanding the Difference Between COIN and Counterinsurgency
Abstract
The United States, the most powerful nation in the world, is reassessing its approach to war. With America entering the 10th year of what was originally called the global war on terror, the Nation finds itself engaged in conflicts in Central Asia and the Middle East that challenge decades of planning, training, and doctrine. Although collectively this series of campaigns recently crossed the marker-point for America's longest combat engagement ever, arguments persist--even in the pages of this publication--as to whether we have the correct approach. This debate is, for the most part, limited in scope. In general, it can be summarized as revolving around one contentious point: whether one agrees with the idea that the United States must redefine its fighting capacity based upon irregular threats--such as insurgency--or not.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA535254
Entities
People
- David Kilcullen
- Sebastian L. Gorka
Organizations
- National Defense University