Insurgencies develop organizational and operational patterns from the interaction of various factors. The interactions cause each insurgency to be unique. The three general patterns that emerge—foco, mass-oriented, and traditional A foco (Spanish word meaning “focus”...
Insurgencies arise when the government is unable or unwilling to address the demands of important social groups. These groups band together and begin to use violence to change the government’s position. Insurgencies are often a coalition of different forces united by...
Successful insurgencies pass through common phases of development. Not all insurgencies experience every phase, and progression through all phases is not a requirement for success. The same insurgent movement may be in another phase in other regions of a country....
A government’s inability or unwillingness to meet the legitimate needs of its people may cause widespread frustration and dissatisfaction. People may lose their faith and confidence because the government lacks legitimacy. They may also simply recognize that the...
