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Frank Kitson

Low Intensity Operations

"Low Intensity Operations: Subversion, Insurgency and Peacekeeping" by Frank Kitson is a seminal work on counterinsurgency and military strategy. Kitson, a retired British Army officer, draws on his extensive experience in colonial and post-colonial conflicts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the theory and practice of low-intensity operations. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the nature of low-intensity operations, which Kitson defines as "those military, paramilitary, political, economic, psychological and civic actions taken by a belligerent to defeat his enemy." Kitson argues that these operations require a different set of skills and tactics than conventional warfare, and that they often involve a complex interplay between military and political factors. The second part of the book focuses on the practice of low-intensity operations, with chapters on subversion, insurgency, and peacekeeping. Kitson provides detailed accounts of how these operations are planned and executed, drawing on case studies from Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland. He emphasizes the importance of winning the "hearts and minds" of the local population, and of using intelligence and psychological operations to undermine the enemy's morale and cohesion. The third part of the book looks to the future, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by low-intensity operations in an age of globalization and transnational terrorism. Kitson argues that the traditional distinctions between war and peace, combatant and non-combatant, and internal and external affairs are becoming increasingly blurred, and that military forces must be prepared to operate in a more complex and ambiguous environment. "Low Intensity Operations" is a thought-provoking and highly influential work that has shaped the thinking of military and political leaders around the world. While some of Kitson's views may be controversial, his analysis of the theory and practice of low-intensity operations is rigorous, nuanced, and compelling. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in military strategy, counterinsurgency, and the changing nature of warfare in the 21st century.