Understanding Indian Insurgencies: Implications for Counterinsurgency Operations in the Third World

Authored by Deputy Inspector General Durga Madhab (John) Mitra.

February 2007

84 Pages

Brief Synopsis

A simple linear model for India has been developed to demonstrate how the degree of inaccessibility of an area, the strength of separate social identity of its population, and the amount of external influence on the area determine the propensity of that area for insurgency. Implications of the Indian model for various aspects of counterinsurgency strategy for the Third World, including economic development, the role of democracy, social and political autonomy, and counterinsurgency operations are discussed. Recommendations for effective counterinsurgency strategy and for long-term stability in these countries are included. India is very complex and provides an ideal window for understanding Asian society.

Contents

Foreword

Summary

CHAPTER 1
RELEVANCE OF INDIAN EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 2
MODELING INDIAN INSURGENCY

CHAPTER 3
DISCUSSIONS ON THE INDIAN MODEL

CHAPTER 4
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COUNTERINSURGENCY STRATEGY

ANNEX I
BERMING

ANNEX II
APPLICATION OF GAMES THEORY TO GUESS THE PAYOFFS FOR INSURGENTS

ANNEX III
MODELING THE “FIND AND SEEK” STRUGGLE BETWEEN INSURGENTS AND GOVERNMENT FORCES IN FORESTED TERRAIN

ENDNOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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