Separatist Model: Compare and Contrast between the Malay Muslims of Southern Thailand and the Moros of Southern Philippine
Abstract
The majority of conflicts around the world involve some type of internal warfare. Most of these conflicts are separatist insurgencies. Typically, these insurgencies lack the population size to overthrow the government. This study is focused on finding what success means to separatist insurgent groups who say they are seeking independence or statehood, but really would settle for protection of their identity, religion, culture, and language. When such groups feel that their identity is severely threatened, they may use violence to try to change government policy and operations. Success for a separatist insurgency is obtaining institutionalized protection of its identity through negotiated settlement, semi-autonomy, autonomy, or full independence. This thesis identifies four factors that generally must be present for separatist insurgents to achieve success in protecting their group's identity. These four factors are identity, resentment, mobilization, and will. These four factors are the basis for comparing the separatist insurgencies of the Malay Muslims of southern Thailand and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the Philippines. The Thai Malay Muslim insurgency has stalled and any serious challenge to the Bangkok government has diminished due to its inability to organize effectively and fully define its political objectives. The MILF's stronger organization and clearer political objectives have led to negotiations with the Philippine government. Of the two, the MILF insurgency has had more international attention and pressure. The four factors are indicative of the relative success of these two separatist insurgencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA591051
Entities
People
- James M. Vang
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College