Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Draining the Sea, or Feeding the Fire? : The Efficacy of Population Relocation in Counterinsurgency Operations

Open to the Public

In the context of counterinsurgency operations, states have frequently employed "regroupment camps" or "strategic hamlets" in order to?in Mao?s terms?"drain the sea" of water (civilians) to expose and kill the fish (guerrillas).

Date: Time: - Location: Littauer Building - Belfer Center Library, Room 369

About

In the context of counterinsurgency operations, states have frequently employed "regroupment camps" or "strategic hamlets" in order to—in Mao’s terms—"drain the sea" of water (civilians) to expose and kill the fish (guerrillas). Nevertheless, despite the frequency of its employment, the historical evidence on the efficacy of regroupment as a tactical weapon is mixed at best. Drawing upon evidence from a variety of historical counterinsurgency campaigns, Greenhill will offer an explanation for why population relocation remains such a popular tactic, despite its operationally problematic track record; propose a theory that specifies the conditions under which relocation schemes will succeed and fail; and discuss the broader implications of this theory for current and future counterinsurgencies.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided.

Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.