COIN in the Real World
Abstract
The nations most likely to be affected by insurgencies, those without extensive resources, refined organization, or a responsible political environment, need a more realistic counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy than that articulated in classic and contemporary counterinsurgency theory. The officials and security forces of affected nations intuitively emphasize the same themes found in theory: intergovernmental coordination and cooperation, rule of law, prioritizing political vice security-based solutions, and establishing a stable electoral state. These themes are often difficult to translate into reality because nations suffer from fundamental flaws that make implementing the "best" practices and solutions virtually impossible. A successful counterinsurgency strategy cannot be deferred until a nation rectifies its flaws; it needs to operate within the existing framework. The flaws are produced by deficiencies in government, and because these deficiencies contribute to multiple omissions and violations, it is far easier to examine problems in structure, rather than identifying the roots of specific defects. Such defects are generally found in one of three areas: basic institutional weakness, state structure, and excessive influence by an elite. India and Thailand are regularly cited in this article as prime examples of nations suffering these defects. The former insurgency has a defined organization and a stated goal, the overthrow of the Indian government, while the latter is a leaderless rebellion with unknown objectives. There are few insurgencies worldwide which do not resemble one of these two examples in terms of aim, structure, or methodology. This article will explore the specific impediments to planning and implementing a successful COIN strategy in these nations, and conclude with recommendations for more realistic COIN policies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA596942
Entities
People
- David R. Haines
Organizations
- United States Army War College