Michael Collins: Founder of modern guerrilla warfare tactics

Matthew Lynch

doi:10.13169/jglobfaul.8.2.0248

Abstract

This paper examines the foundations of contemporary guerrilla warfare tactics and associates these with the actions and operations of General Michael Collins and the Irish Volunteers throughout the War of Independence (1919–21). Through the critical analysis of archival documents from the War of Independence provided by the Irish Military Archives, the paper analyses the success and nature of these tactics in relation to the fundamental characteristics that are observed within guerrilla warfare. The paper draws comparisons with Vietnam (1955–75), Iraq (2003–11), and Afghanistan (2001–21), in the context of war against a strong hegemonic power.

Highlights

Over the last 250 years, the nature of war and conflict has experienced significant adaptations
The aim of this paper is to examine to what extent Michael Collins can be considered the founder of modern guerrilla warfare tactics
The pejorative term “terrorism” has been given to these insurgencies by the colonial/imperial hegemonic power, in order to contrast one side’s legitimate killing to another side’s illegitimate killing, and to show the need for further tightening of control and the mobilization of people and resources. Why is it important to recognize this legacy of Michael Collins, as the founder of modern guerrilla warfare tactics? It is because this was rebellion against British rule, not terrorism

Summary

Introduction

Over the last 250 years, the nature of war and conflict has experienced significant adaptations. It can be argued that this term was used to provide recognition to the efforts of locals who took up arms to fight a powerful state, often with little to no training It has been acknowledged and heavily documented that, within the modern battlespace, organizations such as Al-Qaeda, Daesh, and groups like the Viet Cong have used these tactics against far numerically and technologically superior enemy forces. This public support was beneficial to the Viet Cong because it allowed its fighters to move around within the population undetected, as well as be supported with intelligence and safe haven for their fighters engaged in battling the American forces Another essential element for operating a successful guerrilla warfare campaign is intelligence. This adaptive ability by the Mujahideen has shown that conducting guerrilla campaigns can be a successful way of waging warfare against superior armed forces, if used effectively to control the battlefield

The Irish War of Independence

Conclusion