Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars In The Midst Of A Big One (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
This book has much merit by adding to the existing base of knowledge. While Kilcullen's model is unique and well worth further investigation it is not possible to automatically apply it automatically to other insurgencies, since each insurgency is unique in the variables which compose it. David, much to his credit, seemed to be seeking the common core or the unifying thread within the composition of insurgencies as an phenomenon. The idea of comparing terrorism with a plague (infection, contagions, etc) is interesting but some critics might consider it a leap and that it seems rather simplistic in regards to such a complex phenomenon. This is a well founded piece of scholarly research. The descriptive knowledge on the ground,was what I found perhaps the best part of the writing. There are a few parts which, quite frankly,did not seem logical to me, at first in the face of the current threat. This observation, however, is only normal given the rapidly changing strategic landscape and the evolution of events. It must be borne in mind that the title is already dated and the situation (in Iraq, for instance) has already altered the strategic environment. Many of the authors most pertinent points are summarized in the final chapter. As an employee of the State Department, Dr. Kilcullen's position and strategic outlook and overall perspective becomes very clear through his writing. The "Accidental Guerrilla" syndrome is a fascinating concept for further exploration and development, however it is not a "one-size-fits-all," silver bullet recipe to understanding the complexity of insurgent 5th generation warfare. While portions of it may aptly apply to OIF and OEF (operations Iraqi/Enduring-Afghanistan Freedom), the application of said theory to a broader spectrum is less feasible. Notwithstanding this minor point, the Accidental Guerrilla, makes interesting reading and David Killcullen places the reader in the heart of the action. The book makes an interesting and major contribution to the literature in the field and comes highly recommended to anyone interested in the topic. I picked this book up because the author was one of our most interesting speakers at Command and Staff College last year. It was something he had published back in 2008. Because it is a bit dated and the services have largely adopted many of the author's ideas regarding counterterrorism, reading this book mostly seemed like a review. However, the was still good as a historical view on how the author's views developed, which has value because his ideas have become influential.
What do You think about Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars In The Midst Of A Big One (2010)?
Agree or disagree with U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, this is the book that it was founded on.
—marie
Very indepth account of the issue of insurgency from one of Gen. Petraeus' best advisors.
—adaming
