Urban guerrilla warfare.

• Main Author: Tan, Tabitha Yueh Li.
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/55268
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Fighting and winning a guerrilla-style conflict in cities is generally not recommended by theorists of guerrilla warfare. From Mao Zedong to "Che" Guevara, most potable guerrilla warfare theorists advise guerrilla groups to head out into the countryside so that they can find sufficient space and time to grow their guerrilla forces without being eradicated. Recent notable examples of guerrilla warfare in the urban environment have thrown these theories in doubt. Contemporary insurgencies have shown that it is highly possible to win a guerrilla conflict in the urban setting. The key to victory lies in the side that is able to acquire sufficient (Political) Will for their cause. The examples will show that urban conflict is often a resource-intensive, high casualty event that produces a significant amount of psychological stress for all belligerents involved. It is only though the force of belief, determination, ruthlessness and mental toughness, all aspects of (Political) Will, that guerrilla groups are able to win the "War of Nerves" against vastly superior opponents in the urban jungle. The side that wins in this conflict is the side that is able to maintain the (Political) Will to carryon to the end despite horrific losses and experiences.