Fri, Sep 05
|Zoom
The Enduring Struggle: Understanding Insurgency and Counterinsurgency
An inspiring and thought-provoking talk by Dr. Charles Sullivan. This will include a discussion of how globalization, the spread of information technology, and the rise of non-traditional actors have altered the dynamics of insurgency. This presentation will conclude by outlining the major challenge
Time & Location
Sep 05, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM GMT+7
Zoom
About the event
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of insurgency and counterinsurgency, two of the most complex and enduring forms of modern warfare. We begin by defining insurgency as a protracted political-military struggle by non-state actors against a state or occupying power to achieve specific political objectives. We will explore the common characteristics of insurgencies, including their reliance on popular support, guerrilla tactics, and psychological warfare. Next, we will delve into counterinsurgency (COIN), the set of military, political, economic, and social measures taken by a government or occupying power to degrade and defeat an insurgency. The presentation will contrast traditional warfare with COIN, highlighting the crucial role of winning the "hearts and minds" of the population. We will discuss historical examples of both successful and failed COIN campaigns to illustrate different strategic approaches. Finally, we will examine the evolution of these conflicts in the 21st century. This will include a discussion…