Model of Insurgency: Reflections of Clausewitz's 'Paradoxical Trinity' Lessonsfor Operational Planners Considering Conventional Forces in Unconventional Operations

摘要

This monograph addresses the employment of conventional military force againstinsurgency. First, it provides a model to analyze insurgency in terms of Clausewitz's paradoxical trinity. Secondly, the monograph assesses this model's validity by applying it to the Vietnam War and the conflict in Northern Ireland. The paper concludes with implications for future planners considering conventional forces in unconventional operations. Although the two world powers failed to direct military operations properly in their respective insurgent environments, this study provides some unique operational planning considerations. These considerations are important since the end of the Cold War has simultaneously caused a reduction in U.S. military forces, and compelled the U.S. to increase its global commitments in a hostile strategic environment.