The Effective Use of Elements of National Power in Counterinsurgency: A Study on the Lessons from Sri Lanka 1983-2004 and 2005-2009
Abstract
In an era of persistent conflict, nations face the continuing challenges of terrorism, insurgency, and separatism. These complex challenges occur not only within the confines of the nation state but also in the international arena. This thesis examines the case of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka from 1983-2004 and 2005-2009. For almost three decades, Sri Lanka struggled against the combined threats of insurgency, terrorism, and separatism from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A U.S. designated terrorist organization; the LTTE wanted a separate state for the Tamils in Northeastern Sri Lanka. To achieve the goal of a separate nation, the LTTE resorted to conventional military methods, insurgency, and terrorism. The government of Sri Lanka (GSL) was equally determined to maintain the territorial integrity of the island nation. After four iterations of civil war, the GSL finally prevailed against the LTTE. The Sri Lankan case study shows that combined elements of national power backed by strong leadership and political will can successfully defeat insurgency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547420
Entities
People
- Herman A. Llorin
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College