What theories explain the onset of guerrilla warfare?

The onset of guerrilla warfare is often explained by theories such as the Relative Deprivation Theory and the Resource Mobilisation Theory.

The Relative Deprivation Theory posits that guerrilla warfare arises from a perceived disparity between the actual and expected economic, political, or social conditions of a group. This theory suggests that when a group feels that they are being deprived of their rights or resources, they may resort to guerrilla warfare as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction and seeking redress. This is often seen in societies where there is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, or where certain groups feel marginalised or oppressed. For example, the FARC in Colombia emerged as a guerrilla group in response to the perceived socio-economic inequalities in the country.

The Resource Mobilisation Theory, on the other hand, suggests that the onset of guerrilla warfare is influenced by the availability of resources. This theory argues that for a guerrilla movement to start and sustain, it requires resources such as manpower, finances, and material resources. These resources can be mobilised through various means, including external support, local support, or even through illicit activities such as drug trafficking. The success of a guerrilla movement, according to this theory, is largely dependent on its ability to mobilise and manage these resources effectively. The Viet Cong in Vietnam, for instance, were able to sustain their guerrilla warfare against the US largely due to the support they received from North Vietnam and other communist allies.

Another theory is the Political Process Theory, which suggests that guerrilla warfare is a result of political opportunities and constraints. This theory argues that the onset of guerrilla warfare is influenced by the political environment, including the state's capacity to suppress rebellion, the existence of political allies, and the openness of the political system. For example, the onset of the Kurdish guerrilla warfare in Turkey can be attributed to the political opportunities created by the weakening of the Turkish state in the 1980s.

In conclusion, the onset of guerrilla warfare can be explained by a combination of socio-economic factors, resource availability, and political opportunities. These theories provide a comprehensive understanding of why and how guerrilla warfare emerges in different contexts.