Book Review - Counterinsurgency
Counterinsurgency
Written by: David Kilcullen,
Scribe, Melbourne, 2010,
ISBN 9781921640346, 264pp
Reviewed by: Peter Leahy, University of Canberra
David Kilcullen has already earned a well deserved reputation as a practitioner, advisor and author in the field of counterinsurgency. In his latest book he substantially adds to his reputation. The book is a must-read for those struggling with counterinsurgency today and for those with an eye on the future of insurgency and terrorism.
Although initially distracting because he reintroduces previously published material, on reflection this is actually the strength of the book. In the fast paced globalised world of insurgencies and counterinsurgencies it is good to be able to sit back and consider what lessons have been learned. Kilcullen updates his previous publications, both books and articles, with new text and ‘Author’s Notes’ which add relevance and meaning to contemporary problems. This book is real and about today’s problems. It also looks into the future and offers a way of countering what Kilcullen calls a global Islamic insurgency.
Today many counterinsurgency practitioners rely on websites to exchange ideas and collect lessons. This gives them up-to-date information, but unfortunately some sites can be ephemeral and relatively shallow. The alternative is to wait for the once in a generation ‘blockbuster’ or refer back to the classics. Counterinsurgency straddles the middle ground between websites and the once in a generation classics. It suits the tempo of today’s operations.
In the last decade there has been much to learn about insurgencies and how to counter them. Unfortunately we started from a low base and our enemies are showing that they can adapt and learn more quickly than we can. We are frequently on the defensive and struggle to find the right strategy. We have much to learn and must become more versatile. Nothing is static in the world of counterinsurgency and Kilcullen provides a snapshot of warfare today. We should use it as a platform to propel us into the future.
Kilcullen adeptly combines his historical and cultural knowledge of insurgencies with present day observations to help present the best way to confront the enemy. He sees both the smallest detail and the strategic consequences. He puts people at the centre of his lessons and considers them the centre of gravity of an insurgency. He says loud and clear that we must treat them with respect. He is right to tell us that counterinsurgency is a competition for government with both the insurgent and the government trying to mobilise the people. He is strong here because he understands the people and the village.
He is also strong in his discussion on the future. He views terrorism as a principal but not the sole tactic of a global Islamic insurgency. Thus a global counterinsurgency not a counterterrorism campaign is required.
This book is well worth a read. It is real, timely, well expressed and accessible. It is an update from a practitioner and thinker. It deals with the dynamism of the present fight. Its strength is that Kilcullen keeps his ideas active and current. At times it is obvious that his thinking has changed. Perhaps ours should too.
