Insurgency Warfare: A Global History to the Present

Insurgency and counterinsurgency are two interconnected and age-old facets of warfare that have shaped the course of history in numerous regions around the world. Rooted in the struggle for power, resources, or ideological dominance, insurgencies represent the defiant uprisings of dissatisfied groups or individuals against established authority.

In response, counterinsurgency emerges as the strategic and tactical efforts of governments or ruling entities to quell these revolts and maintain control. Throughout history, we have witnessed the emergence of countless insurgencies and the subsequent attempts to suppress them. The complexities and challenges inherent in addressing insurgencies underscore the importance of understanding the historical, political, and socio-cultural factors that drive these movements.

In Insurgency Warfare: A Global History to the Present, military historian, thinker and strategist Jeremy Black presents a comprehensive historical account of insurgencies and counterinsurgency warfare worldwide. Departing from the typical focus on Western perspectives, the book emphasizes the significance of situating the experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq within a broader global context. Rather than following the conventional route that centers on the American and French revolutions, the author delves back into ancient times to trace the origins of pre-modern warfare.

By skillfully weaving together both thematic and chronological narratives, Black thoroughly explores the enduring correlations between beliefs, events, and individuals, juxtaposed against the evolutionary changes that have occurred over time. Throughout the book, he delves into the evolution of politics, technologies, and ideologies, giving rise to new parameters and paradigms that have profoundly influenced both governmental and public viewpoints on warfare.

Tracing insurgencies across diverse regions from China to Africa to Latin America, Black illuminates the varying military and political dimensions inherent in each conflict. He adeptly assesses the reasons behind the acquisition of lessons in insurgency and counterinsurgency warfare, meticulously examining how these lessons were not merely learned but actively asserted. At every stage, the book delves into the emergence of norms within militaries and societies, exploring their impact on doctrine and policy.