Counterinsurgency in Crisis: Britain and the Challenges of Modern Warfare (Columbia Studies in Terrorism and Irregular Warfare) - Softcover

Ucko, David; Egnell, Robert; Gray, Colin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0231164270 ISBN 13: 9780231164276

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 2015

Synopsis

Long considered the masters of counterinsurgency, the British military encountered significant problems in Iraq and Afghanistan when confronted with insurgent violence. In their effort to apply the principles and doctrines of past campaigns, they failed to prevent Basra and Helmand from descending into lawlessness, criminality, and violence. By juxtaposing the deterioration of these situations against Britain's celebrated legacy of counterinsurgency, this investigation identifies both the contributions and limitations of traditional tactics in such settings, exposing a disconcerting gap between ambitions and resources, intent and commitment. Building upon this detailed account of the Basra and Helmand campaigns, this volume conducts an unprecedented assessment of British military institutional adaptation in response to operations gone awry. In calling attention to the enduring effectiveness of insurgent methods and the threat posed by undergoverned spaces, David H. Ucko and Robert Egnell underscore the need for military organizations to meet the irregular challenges of future wars in new ways.

About this title

Product Description:

[ Counterinsurgency in Crisis: Britain and the Challenges of Modern Warfare Columbia Studies in Terrorism and Irregular Warfare By ( Author ) Jan-2015 Paperback

Review:

Critical yet balanced, this book provides the best overall assessment of the British campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan currently in print.--Theo Farrell, King's College London "RUSI Journal "

A long overdue account of British counterinsurgency efforts during Iraq and Afghanistan... a highly insightful analysis... not only a valuable read for anyone interested in the application of counterinsurgency, but especially for anyone interested in military adaptation and organizational learning.--Defence Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0231164270
• ISBN 13: 9780231164276
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 248