Kilcullen and the Efficacy of Contemporary Counterinsurgency

Craig Mark

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Australian Lt Col. Dr David Kilcullen has become one the leading theorists (and practitioners) of counterinsurgency (COIN) in the world today. His principle contribution to the theory of COIN has been largely based on an 'anthropological' approach, which he has termed 'conflict ethnography'. A review of his major works provides a basis to judge whether this approach has been effectively applied by the US-led Coalition forces in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Apart from the issue of whether Kilcullen's COIN approach can or has delivered some success in these conflicts, the wider political and human rights implications of Kilcullen's theory also requires examination, in order to have a broader judgment on its overall efficacy.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAustralian Political Studies Association, Annual Conference
    Place of PublicationMelbourne
    PublisherAustralian Political Studies Association
    Pages1-13
    Number of pages13
    ISBN (Print)9780646542706
    Publication statusPublished - 2010
    EventAustralian Political Studies Association Annual Conference - Melbourne
    Duration: 27 Sept 201029 Sept 2010

    Conference

    ConferenceAustralian Political Studies Association Annual Conference
    CityMelbourne
    Period27/09/1029/09/10

    Keywords

    • counterinsurgency
    • war
    • international relations
    • Afghanistan
    • Iraq
    • strategic studies
    • counterterrorism
    • Australian foreign & defence policy

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