Insight In the first chapter of Aris Primer on the Science of Resistance, the history and perception of the term resistance is discussed in detail. Earlier versions of the definition seem to focus on resistance as viewed in a military or more violent conflict, using terms such as enemy, operations, and behind enemy lines. The authors state that a new view of resistance involves a broader look at the idea that a resistance doesn’t necessarily need to be against an occupying power, nor does the movement need violence to be considered a resistance movement. The most recent 2016 doctrine defines it as “an organized effort by some portion of the civil population of a country to resist the legally established government or an occupying power …show more content…
Many of the most memorable are those that have been violent in nature, such as the American revolutionaries or French Resistance in World War 2. Yet, for the past hundred years resistance movements have been widely studied and it is commonly agreed upon that nonviolent movements have been considerably more effective than violent ones, even if these are less known. Much of how resistance groups respond and even organize depend on the force they are opposing, why they are resisting, and the resistance’s perception of their immediate future. In Venezuela, many youth have joined resistance groups saying that “rapidly deteriorating conditions in the country — including sweeping food shortages — were fueling their commitment” (Weddle, C & Wyss, J, 2017). While there have been physical abuses during larger protests, many in this resistance element hadn’t resorted to extreme violence because the government had not either, nor did they see their situation spiraling to the point of complete hopelessness or imminent death. In other countries in Africa and the Middle East, minority populations or resistance elements have been hunted and executed, and it is easier to understand how these would move quicker to violence to achieve their results. There is no hope, they cannot leave, and they have to fight back. Overall, while variations occur, many characteristics …show more content…
From the Shining Path in Peru to the FARC in Colombia, these movements operate now with financial gain in mind much more than pursuing ideological or political goals, yet they are still successful in recruiting efforts based on ideology. It seems to me that the main reason is their recruits have no other option. When over 30% to 40% of the youth cannot find a job, what do people expect? I think back on my youth and wonder what I would have done, and all I had to do was pay for my leisure activities, not help my family put food on the table. I completely understand that for some, there will always be the attraction of power, fame, and money that illicit activities bring. Yet for others, if they can put in an honest day’s work, help their family survive, and maybe pay for a cheap date, I believe less would join. I also believe there would be less support from those local communities because their sympathy and support would decrease. When Special Forces are called a situation has normally taken a turn for the worst, but I do think we should always be searching for why. It seems that at times kinetic operations or violent movements focus us completely on the specific engagement or battle, with little or no time to analyze and understand that these operations should also provide time and