Counterinsurgency

By: David J. Kilcullen

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

David Kilcullen is one of the world's most influential experts on counterinsurgency and modern warfare, a ground-breaking theorist whose ideas "are revolutionizing military thinking throughout the west" (Washington Post). Indeed, his vision of modern warfare powerfully influenced the United States' decision to rethink its military strategy in Iraq and implement "the Surge", now recognized as a dramatic success.

In Counterinsurgency, Kilcullen brings together his most salient writings on this vitally important topic. Here is a picture of modern warfare by someone who has had his boots on the ground in some of today's worst trouble spots - including Iraq and Afghanistan - and who has been studying counterinsurgency since 1985. Filled with down-to-earth, common-sense insights, this book is the definitive account of counterinsurgency, indispensable for all those interested in making sense of our world in an age of terror.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 David Kilcullen (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

CounterInsurgency Insights

I have listened & re listen to parts of this book. I found it totally absorbing, insightful & thought provoking. Outstanding content extremely well delivered. A 5 ⭐️+++ read. I wish all Text books were so captivating. A brilliant learning experience.

Insurgency explained

David Kilcullen is a true expert on the subject matter. Many fake credentials are thrown around in today's world, but this topic is covered by a man who has studied, experienced, and helped apply some functioning concepts in multiple theatres of conflict. As a combat veteran of OIF, I highly suggest reading any of Mr. Kilcullen's work to help yourself better understand one of the undeniable realities of past and future conflicts.

Key to the puzzle

All additions basically predicted the rise of ISIS by the year 2009. Please help rewrite our policy, David Kilcullen!

Loved it

I went into the Marine Corps in 2009. This book really put my military experience into perspective.

Slow moving tons of info. Struggle to finish

Slow moving tons of information. a different line of thinking but way to long. could just read his principles and get the just of the book. a lot like his other books for sure.

Revealing and Enlightening

Having spent 10 years in the Middle East fighting against insurgencies through numerous levels of Counter Insurgency (COIN) operations, I wish Dr. Kilcullen's in-depth analysis and revelation had been made known to me there at the beginning; his information and knowledge very well may have made a genuine difference.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has found themselves pushing back against the global threat of Islamic terrorism and who has any interest in COIN ops as it relates across the global spectrum.

Only con:
The narrator--though well-spoken and clear--tends to pronounce numerous familiar words in an unfamiliar way. His intonations and unusual syntax threw off the information on occasion.

apparently, you can bore them to death....

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

a bureaucrat who appreciates an author who like the sound of their own voice.

What was most disappointing about David J. Kilcullen’s story?

why write one word when you can use twenty?

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

suicidal boredom

Any additional comments?

This is a relentless cascade of meaningless technocrat jargon. When the author finally mentions "insights", they are so painfully obvious that you begin to resent the time you wasted wading through the bloated preamble.