Joint Force Quarterly
Abstract
David E. Spencer’s review of The Insurgent’s Dilemma highlights David Ucko’s nuanced analysis of the strategic challenges insurgent movements face in balancing military efficacy with political legitimacy. Drawing on his expertise in Latin American insurgency, particularly the FARC, Spencer uses Ucko’s framework to explain why some insurgent groups, like the FARC, failed to adapt to post-Cold War conditions, while others, like the Zapatistas, successfully evolved ideologically, locally, and institutionally. Ucko argues that modern insurgencies must navigate complex trade-offs between violence and popular support, especially as traditional strategies become obsolete. The book offers critical insights into how both insurgents and counterinsurgents must adapt to shifting political and technological landscapes, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and military professionals engaged in understanding irregular warfare today.
Recommended Citation
David E. Spencer, "The Insurgent’s Dilemma: A Struggle to Prevail," Joint Force Quarterly 118 (3rd Quarter 2025), 104-106, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol118/iss3/16.
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