Classical Counterinsurgency: a Comparison of Malaya, Algeria and Romania
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Classical Counterinsurgency: A Comparison of Malaya, Algeria and Romania Andrei Miroiu A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Social Sciences Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences December 2014 1 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Miroiu First name: Andrei Other name/s: Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Social Sciences Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences Title: Classical Counterinsurgency: A Comparison of Malaya, Algeria and Romania Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Highlighting the significance of counterinsurgencies fought in the aftermath of the Second World War for contemporary theory and practice, this thesis is a comparative analysis of the campaigns fought in Malaya, Algeria and Romania between 1944 and 1962. The case selection allows an engagement both with Western and non-Western patterns of anti-guerrilla warfare, allowing this work to conceive counterinsurgency as a coherent object of study across time and cultures. The research question at the heart of the thesis is what accounts for success in counterinsurgency? Considering that the government's main tasks in dealing with armed rebellion are to prevent the spread of rebellion, to identify, find and eliminate the rebels, this work analyses the three campaigns on three dimensions: population control, intelligence and intelligence operations and military operations. In relation to population control, the findings point to the hollowness of the prevalent narrative concerning "hearts and minds" approaches and instead highlight the centrality of massive deportations and physical and psychological intimidation and control of targeted populations. The study of intelligence engages with the relative merits of centralized and decentralized organization for counterinsurgency campaigns, evaluates the use of interrogation and torture and assesses the role of infiltration and counter-gangs. Military approaches such as patrols, cordoning, garrisoning, raids, special forces operations are analysed in relation to achieving success in the campaigns. The concluding comparison section discusses the three cases in connection to contemporary counterinsurgencies. In answering the research question, the thesis argues that population control is the strategic-level answer in counterinsurgency, which makes it problematic for present-day contingencies. It also points out the tactical-level relevance of intelligence and military operations. 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I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substanti al portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed .... ~~.... .'. ..................... ....... ....................... Date ... ~. (!, ~ ./ ?: ~.1't. :...... .. ..... ....... ........... .................. AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT 'I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.' Signed Date .. ..~ /.1.? /~ . C:.~ ..~· .... ..... ....................................... Abstract Highlighting the significance of counterinsurgencies fought in the aftermath of the Second World War for contemporary theory and practice, this thesis is a comparative analysis of the campaigns fought in Malaya, Algeria and Romania between 1944 and 1962. The case selection allows an engagement both with Western and non-Western patterns of anti-guerrilla warfare, allowing this work to conceive counterinsurgency as a coherent object of study across time and cultures. The research question at the heart of the thesis is what accounts for success in counterinsurgency? Considering that the government’s main tasks in dealing with armed rebellion are to prevent the spread of rebellion, to identify, find and eliminate the rebels, this work analyses the three campaigns on three dimensions: population control, intelligence and intelligence operations and military operations. In relation to population control, the findings point to the hollowness of the prevalent narrative concerning “hearts and minds” approaches and instead highlight the centrality of massive deportations and physical and psychological intimidation and control of targeted populations. The study of intelligence engages with the relative merits of centralized and decentralized organization for counterinsurgency campaigns, evaluates the use of interrogation and torture and assesses the role of infiltration and counter- gangs. Military approaches such as patrols, cordoning, garrisoning, raids, special forces operations are analysed in relation to achieving success in the campaigns. The concluding comparison section discusses the three cases in connection to contemporary counterinsurgencies. In answering the research question, the thesis argues that population control is the strategic-level answer in counterinsurgency, which makes it problematic for present-day contingencies. It also points out the tactical-level relevance of intelligence and military operations. 2 Contents Abstract 2 Acknowledgements 5 1. A research outline 7 1.1 Introduction 7 1.2 Why Romania? 12 1.3 Current state of the field 14 1.4 Research rationale and research questions 35 1.5 Methods and sources 39 1.6 Structure of the thesis 42 2. On the Theory and Practice of Classic Counterinsurgency 44 2.1 Before 1945: the lessons of imperial warfare and local terror 48 2.2 The British experience and doctrine 60 2.3 British COIN campaigns 61 2.4 British and American COIN theory in the “Golden Era” 72 2.5 The French experience and theory of COIN 80 2.6 Soviet and Eastern counterinsurgency 85 2.7 A matter of knowledge, swiftness and brutality 91 3. British Counterinsurgency in Malaya 93 3.1 The political and military context 95 3.2 Population control 106 3.3 Intelligence 117 3.4 Military operations and the elimination of rebel groups 127 3.5 Conclusions 144 4. French Counterinsurgency in Algeria 147 4.1 The context of decolonization 148 3 4.2 Algeria: political and social situation 152 4.3 An outline of the war 159 4.4 Population control 169 4.5 Intelligence and intelligence operations 177 4.6 Military operations 187 4.7 Conclusions 198 5. Romanian Counterinsurgency, 1944-1958 202 5.1 The context of the resistance 205 5.2 A typology of rebel groups 210 5.3 Population control, revolts