How has insurgency changed in the post-Cold War era?

Author: William Kirkpatrick

(MA War Studies / BA History)

Abstract

In this essay, I explore how insurgency has evolved since the end of the Cold War, examining shifts in ideology and external support. While some scholars suggest that ideology has faded in importance, I argue that it continues to play a central role, even as it takes on new forms, from nationalist-fundamentalist movements to identity-based conflicts. At the same time, the decline of superpower rivalry has fundamentally changed how insurgencies receive external backing, with state support diminishing and non-state and online networks rising in significance. By drawing on foundational texts as well as contemporary case studies, I suggest that although the context and tools have changed, many core elements of insurgent strategy remain surprisingly resilient. This analysis highlights the enduring complexities of insurgency and how it adapts to shifting geopolitical landscapes.

Kirkpatrick, William - Gordian Associates -How has Insurgency Changed in the Post-Cold War.

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