Modern Warfare: A French View of Counterinsurgency

By Roger Trinquier

Book Overview

This volume in the Praeger Security International (PSI) series Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era reveals how French officers who served in Indochina, like the author, Roger Trinquier, fought fierce rear-guard actions against ideologically motivated insurgents in the 1940s and 1950s to a far greater extent than their American counterparts later faced in Vietnam. The lack of coherent strategic direction from Paris in the chaotic years of the Fourth Republic left the military with the task of making political decisions in the field. With the original introduction by Bernard B. Fall and a new foreword prepared by Eliot A. Cohen.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0275992683
• ISBN13: 9780275992682
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 114 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A very good and relevant book

Although this book was written some time ago, it is not out of date. I suggest reading it along with Rupert Smith's book on the Utility of Force.

Excellent Book

This book was written in 1964, distilling the author's decades of counterinsurgency experience in Indochina and Algeria. However, as I was reading it, I found that he could have been speaking about Iraq in present day. In reading this book, a reader can realize exactly where we went wrong in Iraq and what we need to do in order to get it right. Unfortunately the generals still haven't learned from Trinquier's experience or apparently read the book. However, the planned "surge" (being discussed as of January 2007) would be in line with what Trinquier recommends. I am also reading the Galula book. I find the Trinquier book to be an easier read, and possibly a better book (although Galula gets all the recognition).

A Learning Tool

This should required reading for anyone about to deploy to OEF or OIF. The lessons taught in this book have direct applicability to today and the types of conflicts that we are currently engaged.

Best Practical Piece on Counterinsurgency Available

Trinquier's work on counterinsurgency is simply one of the best practical pieces of literature on defeating an insurgency. Trinquier was part of the Battle of Algiers which was a stunning victory over the FLN, despite the criticism of torture used by the Paras. When reading Trinquier, one benefits from his experience in Indochina where he lead 20,000 maquis successfully against the Viet-minh. He provides step-by-step details for setting up counterinsurgency intelligence networks and controlling the population in an insurgent strongholds. Trinquier has long been read by officers at the Command and General Staff College and School of Advanced Military Studies.