Feeding the Peasant: The Impacts of Economics on Modern Insurgencies

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Counterinsurgency operations and studies on insurgency aims and methods dominate current military discussions and writings. As the military continues to embrace "full spectrum operations", discussions continue on the ability to link all elements of US National Power (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic) to facilitate a successful conclusion to operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This paper examines the impact of economics on insurgencies and conflicts, primarily the impact it has on the affected populations involved in conflict. Through an examination of recent conflicts, the natures of insurgent aims are examined resulting in the proposal of a multiple insurgency model for conflict. With an emphasis on the insurgent's means for garnering support, the impacts of economics will be examined to display the significant level of influence economics has on an insurgency and corresponding counterinsurgency operations, and the impact of failing to properly understand the impact of economy during and insurgency. Historical studies show that 20th century insurgencies require the counterinsurgent to combat multiple sets of actors, all with potentially different objectives which drives them to conflict. Based on this methodology, which is addressed in the most recent U.S. Army counterinsurgency doctrine, the counterinsurgent must leverage multiple strategies to separate the population from the insurgent(s). The counterinsurgent must have the capability to develop and synchronize all elements (Diplomatic, Informational, Economic, and Military) of National Power to defeat an insurgent, particularly when supported by the existence of a strong illicit economy which allows the insurgent to provide support and prosperity to the population that is not under the control of the counterinsurgent or affected government.