Guerrilla and Sabotage: Organization, Operations, Motivations, Escalation

Abstract

Undergrounds—and guerrilla and sabotage units —are groups in frustration. They develop gradually, by discernable and symptomatic steps, in response to social and political discontents. Active members are volunteers and pre sumably feel deeply the sense of frustration which is at the root of the movement. Although a local population will not be totally involved in guerrilla and sabotage activities, a wide spread popular sympathy with the movement is necessary for sustained operations. Counterterror measures appear to be important in motivating individuals to participate actively, in the hope of gaining security or revenge against the enemy. Cultural and geographical factors limit and influence methods of operation. The political or military background of the leadership also influences the choice of organizational and operational alternatives. Regardless, the application of vio lence must be morally rationalized; control must be balanced against security in deciding how much to centralize; considera tions of weapons availability must precede the appraisal of tactical possibilities and a formulation of strategy. Assuming success, the revolutionary movement contains the seeds of future counterrevolution, for no political leadership can satisfy all the aspirations of the rank and file, and recourse to violence may be taken again. Always, the local population is the key to success or failure in pursuing or combating guerrilla and sabotage operations.