The French Perspective Of "Anti - Rebellion" Theory And Its Practice

Since the19th century, especially after the Second World War, counterinsurgency,characterized by unconventional war, or asymmetric conflict, is shaping the mainform of the armed conflict. Studies of counterinsurgency theory have witnessed twohigh tides in history, but they are by no means the dominant ideology of foreignintervention by west powers. This thesis is aimed at a thorough understanding ofcounterinsurgency from the French perspective on the basis of analyzing and combingthe counterinsurgency theory and practice in France, the source of counterinsurgencypractice and one of the primary performers.First, by observing the concept of the classical definition of counterinsurgency, itsprimary paradigm and its interdisciplinary interpretation, this thesis makes a generalsurvey of counterinsurgency theory. Secondly, with reference to the developing trendof American School of counterinsurgency and its relationship with that of FrenchSchool, this paper makes an observation and analysis of the birth, development andthe process of shaping, and on the basis of which the basic features of Frenchcounterinsurgency theory are sorted out. Finally, the paper discusses the observationand reflection on counterinsurgency practice in France against the background of911Incident.On the basis of the above analysis and discussion, it is discovered in this paper thatthe development of French School of counterinsurgency theory, affected by internalpolitical situation and international environment, is characterized by obviousintermission. Traditional insurgency theory of French School reflects the features ofcomprehensive adoption of military and civil measures, connecting the local peopleand depending on native elite; the counterinsurgency theory in the new era places itsemphasis on the legitimacy of operations, adaptation to the local situation andmarginalizing the adversaries. The author of this thesis believes that under thecircumstance of global informatization and the west powers falling into decline, thecounterinsurgency by the west powers can hardly shake off the paradoxes of theirlimitation of resources and long-lasting and large-scale expenses incounterinsurgency.