Field manual 3-24 and the heritage of counterinsurgency theory

Cromartie, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9558-8081 (2012) Field manual 3-24 and the heritage of counterinsurgency theory. Millennium: Journal of International Studies, 41 (1). pp. 91-111. ISSN 1477-9021 doi: 10.1177/0305829812451973

Abstract/Summary

The Counterinsurgency Manual FM 3-24 has been accused of being over-dependent on the counterinsurgency 'classics' Galula and Thompson. But comparison reveals that it is different in spirit. Galula and Thompson seek practical control; the Manual seeks to build 'legitimacy'. Its concept of legitimacy is superficially Weberian, but owes more to the writings of the American Max Manwaring. The Manual presupposes that a rights-based legal order can (other things being equal) be made to be cross-culturally attractive; 'effective governance' by itself can build legitimacy. The fusion of its methods with an ideology creates unrealistic criteria for success. Its weaknesses suggest a level of incapacity to think politically that will, in time, result in further failures.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/28549
Identification Number/DOI	10.1177/0305829812451973
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Politics and International Relations
Uncontrolled Keywords	counterinsurgency; Field Manual; Galula; legitimacy; Petraeus; Thompson
Publisher	Sage Publications
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