Urban Insurgency: A Threat to National Security

Urban insurgency involves a complex set of factors which include subversion, violence, and psychological and economic offenses. Counter-insurgency campaigns on the other hand, are even more complex and difficult to undertake. Such campaigns frequently are very costly, require larger forces, and are frequently related to numerous political problems, all of which lead to a drain on the country's economy and an antagonizing of the very public whose support is necessary if the counterinsurgency is to be successful. Thus, counterinsurgency campaigns, especially urban insurgency counter efforts, require a flexible and highly professional force. It is imperative that such a force be well-organized, equipped, and trained for such conflicts especially in developing countries where urban insurgency is increasingly likely. (Author).