Unconventional Warfare in South Asia : Shadow Warriors and Counterinsurgency

"India is the world's tenth largest economy and possesses the world's fourth largest military. The subcontinent houses about one-fifth of the world's population and its inhabitants are divided into various tribes, clans and ethnic groups following four great religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Framing the debate using case studies from across the region as well as China, Afghanistan and Burma and using a wealth of primary and secondary sources this incisive volume takes a closer look at the organization and doctrines of the 'shadow armies' and the government forces which fight the former. Arranged in a thematic manner, each chapter critically asks: Why stateless marginal groups rebel?; How do states attempt to suppress them?; What are the consequences in the aftermath of the conflict especially in relation to conflict resolution and peace building? Unconventional Warfare in South Asia is a welcomed addition to the growing field of interest on civil wars and insurgencies in South Asia. An indispensable read which will allow us to better understand whether South Asia is witnessing a 'New War' and whether the twenty-first century belongs to the insurgents."--Publisher's description Unconventional war is an umbrella term which includes insurgencies, counter-insurgencies, terrorism and religious conflicts. Insurgencies and communal conflicts have become much more common in this region since 1947, and more people have died in South Asia due to unconventional wars than conventional warfare. The essays in this volume are organized in two sections. While the first section deals with insurgencies, counter-insurgencies and terrorism; the second section covers the religious aspects of the various intra-state conflicts which mar the multi-ethnic societies of South Asia. Framing The Debate Using Case Studies From Across South Asia As Well As China, Afghanistan And Burma And Using A Wealth Of Primary And Secondary Sources, This Book Takes A Closer Look At The Organization And Doctrines Of The 'shadow Armies' And The Government Forces Which Fight The Former. It Is A Welcome Addition To The Growing Field Of Interest On Civil Wars And Insurgencies In South Asia And Enables Us To Better Understand Whether South Asia Is Witnessing A 'new War' And Whether The Twenty-first Century Belongs To The Insurgents.