Rethinking Western Approaches to Counterinsurgency

Russell W. Glenn is Senior Lecturer in military operations and national security studies at The Australian National University, Canberra. He has a PhD in American History from the University of Kansas.

• 1. Introduction 2. Applying the Iron Fist in Chechnya and Sri Lanka 3. Twice Successful, Still Challenged: Insurgency in 21st-Century Southern Philippines 4. Counterinsurgency at Home: Perseverance in Northern Ireland 5 Counterinsurgency Lessons from a Civil War: Sierra Leone 6. Interdicting Insurgency: Applying a Comprehensive Approach in the Solomon Islands 7. Taking on Criminal Insurgency: Colombian Success against the FARC 8. The Operational Oil Spot and Rise of the Militias: COIN in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province 9. Further Contemplation on Revised Beliefs 10. Additional Recommendations and Concluding Thoughts

'Russell Glenn, one of the most original thinkers and diligent researchers on Counterinsurgency, has done us an enormous favour. Recognizing the limits of a theory based solely on the canon of mid-20thcentury cases like Malaya and Algeria, he gives a much-needed corrective, analyzing modern variations of insurgency, and the range of innovative responses to it. This insightful book should be required reading for all students and practitioners of this complex and constantly-evolving form of war.' -- David J. Kilcullen, Counterinsurgency advisor to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan'With conflict and chaos in much of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the need to understand counterinsurgency is as great as ever. COIN isn’t dead; we just need to do it better. Russ Glenn’s pioneering new book outlines lessons from eight recent – and little known – insurgencies. It is essential reading.' - Nicholas P. Warner, Director-General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service'Insurgency is changing in shape and form; to counter it successfully, we must adapt accordingly. This book is a timely, thought-provoking and critical examination of our current approaches to counterinsurgency, challenging many widely-held tenets. A `must read` for practitioners. It will probably find its way on to the insurgents` reading list, too.' -- Sir John P. Kiszely, former Director of the UK Defence Academy and Senior British Military Representative and Deputy Commanding General, Multinational Force, Iraq‘A comprehensive, thoughtful analysis of the evolution of the theory and practice of counterinsurgency operations – with superb case studies and well-considered conclusions that should be studied carefully by any student or practitioner of COIN.’ -- General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Retired)'...the book's scope is impressive...Summing Up: Recommended.' --S. Cantey, Washington and Lee University CHOICE