A Conceptual Model of Counterinsurgency: Understanding Elements, Factors, and Probability of Success

Abstract

A Conceptual Model of Counterinsurgency: Understanding Elements, Factors, and Probability of Success The U.S. military has been fighting large-scale insurgencies for a decade; yet a thorough understanding of this complex subset of warfare eludes many of those who are responsible for implementing counterinsurgency strategy at the local or regional level. However, the complex nature of insurgency warfare can be graphically modeled, and from this model one can deduce a relative probability of success. The U.S. Military should adopt this model into counterinsurgency doctrine in order to help leaders understand the structure of the problem, determine their objectives, and increase their probability of success. Understanding this model will be facilitated by exploring the primacy of the population followed by a descriptive study of the proposed counterinsurgency model. The advantages a native counterinsurgent force has over an expeditionary force will also be addressed. In the conclusion, the model will be applied to Operation Enduring Freedom and the decade of counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2011
Accession Number
ADA546262

Entities

People

  • Mark G. Kappelmann

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan
  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Counterinsurgency
  • Department Of State
  • Failed States
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Insurgency
  • International Organizations
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Sociology

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Theoretical Analysis.