Political Science 438 - Insurgency and Counterinsurgency

This course examines the dynamics of insurgency (a distinct variant of guerrilla warfare) and counterinsurgency (the government response), and has been crafted with America’s recent involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq in mind. This course seeks to A) acquaint students with the nature, dimensions and history of insurgency and counterinsurgency both past and present and B) establish a solid foundation upon which expertise and analytical capabilities can be developed for future application. The course considers a wide range of questions in order to provide students with a deeper understanding of the evolution of insurgent strategy and tactics over time and the development of government counterinsurgency doctrine. Among the questions it seeks to examine are: What is insurgency and how does it differ from guerrilla warfare and terrorism? Why and how do insurgencies develop? How have strategies and tactics of insurgents changed over time? Who are the foremost ideological and doctrinal proponents of insurgency and why? Who are the foremost counterinsurgency practitioner-theorists? Why does insurgency succeed or fail? How can insurgency best be fought? Why is the wheel seemingly always “reinvented” in counterinsurgency? Specifically, the course will analyze both the effectiveness of insurgency as a means to achieve political change and the challenges faced by the liberal democratic state in responding to insurgent campaigns and challenges.

Requisite: Course is structured and aimed at the 400-level. At least one political science, history, economics, and/or international studies course(s) recommended. Professor is willing to make exceptions if contacted by student.

Limited to 20 students. Spring semester. Visiting Professor and Chamberlain Fellow Smitson.

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Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students should be prepared for a significant reading load and an expectation that class discussions will complement, not summarize, the readings. Graded events will include paper writing, case study analysis, and oral and written presentations. Students will also watch films and will compose their reflections on a group chat. Students are not expected to have an extensive background on insurgency and counterinsurgency. However, students are expected to share their thoughts and insights with the class. Those students with direct professional and related knowledge of the subject are especially encouraged to participate actively in discussion. Students should also routinely refer to, and become familiar with, the two leading scholarly journals in the field, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism (Taylor and Francis Publishers) and Small Wars and Insurgencies (formerly Frank Cass Publishers, now Taylor and Francis Publishers). Students will be informed about current events, at least routinely reading a daily newspaper or a weekly news magazine.