New book on COIN

I’d like to bring to the attention of KOW readers the publication of this new book on COIN titled Counterinsurgency in Modern Warfare. It’s edited by KCL Insurgency Research Group members Daniel Marston and Carter Malkasian. Reviews of it have been very positive:

‘Counterinsurgency in Modern Warfare is an essential primer for any student of this most difficult form of war. Leading authors provide exceptional case studies of 13 modern insurgencies. These authors highlight the critical common factors of successful counterinsurgencies. Just as important, they highlight the differences as a reminder that every insurgency grows from unique cultural, political, economic and social conditions – and each requires a counterinsurgent strategy. Its a must read for anyone who deals with national security.’
TX Hammes, author of The Sling and the Stone

This volume edited by Daniel Marston and Carter Malkasian provides an interesting and informative overview of the most important topic in modern warfare–counterinsurgency. The editors have recruited an impressive lineup of contributors comprising many of the leading experts from the US and the UK. Together they provide an introduction to some of the leading counterinsurgency campaigns of the 20th century. Soldiers and civilians alike will learn a great deal here to help them better understand the challenges that confront us in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.’
Max Boot, senior fellow in national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of “The Savage Wars of Peace” and “War Made New”

‘Counterinsurgency in Modern Warfare” is a fine collection that should contribute significantly to contemporary debates about what leads to success or failure in counterinsurgency. The provocative essays reveal that such conflicts are always unique, requiring counterinsurgent forces to develop cultural awareness and learning organizations if they want to have any hope of victory. And even those mechanisms will fail if military activities are not linked closely to political objectives, and the unified effort is not geared for long term commitment.’
Conrad Crane, lead author of the new Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual

“A wide-ranging, sophisticated anthology that all serious students of counterinsurgency should read and savor. Challenging, candid and provocative.“
Bing West

The book tracks the development of counterinsurgency from the early 20th century to the early 21st. The chapters look fascinating, including ones on conflicts that are not so well-represented in the literature and therefore a pain to find select and succinct readings for students. This is the chapter line-up:

• In Aid of the Civil Power: Britain, Ireland and Palestine 1916–48 by Professor Charles Townshend
• Counterinsurgency in the Philippines 1898–1954 by Professor Anthony James Joes
• The first of the Banana Wars: US Marines in Nicaragua 1909–12 by Major Bruce Gudmundsson (ret)
• A Few Carrots and a Lot of Sticks: German Anti-Partisan Warfare in World War II by Dr Peter Lieb
• French Imperial Warfare 1945–62 by Professor Douglas Porch
• From Search and Destroy to Hearts and Minds: The Evolution of British Strategy in Malaya 1948–60 by Dr Richard Stubbs
• Counterinsurgency in Vietnam: American Organizational Culture and Learning by Lieutenant Colonel John A. Nagl
• Red Wolves and British Lions: The Conflict in Aden by Jonathan Walker
• Britain’s Longest War: Northern Ireland 1967–2007 by Colonel Richard Iron
• Countering the Chimurenga: The Rhodesian Counterinsurgency Campaign 1962–80 by Dr J. R. T. Wood
• The Israeli Defense Force sand the Al-Aqsa Intifada: When Tactical Virtuosity Meets Strategic Disappointment by Dr Sergio Catignani
• Lessons in 21st-Century Counterinsurgency: Afghanistan 2001–07 by Dr Daniel Marston Counterinsurgency in Iraq: May 2003– January 2007 by Dr Carter Malkasian

I’ve not got a copy yet. I shall report back when I do. (Publisher? Freebies welcomed!) On the face of it it looks super. I have read Sergio Catignani’s work, however, so I can comment on that. I played a minor advisory role on his PhD thesis. What he has to say on the Israeli experience is A/ unmissable and, B/ not the standard rendition. Really good. Marston is very highly regarded in UK COIN circles and evidently elsewhere too. So what are you waiting for? An Amazon link?