CDSn4001:
Conflict
Analysis
Asymmetric conflicts:
rebellion and insurgency
November 27, 2023
Miriam Matejova, PhD
Agenda
• Final exam
• What makes a conflict asymmetric?
• Why doesn’t a state easily win against
an insurgency?
Final exam
• a written test (online)
• five questions - answer four of your choice
• short answers
• Concepts, theories, linkages
• Each answer will be worth 10 points for a total
of 40 points. The exam will cover the required
(not recommended) literature and lectures.
Final exam
• Answer the question
• Explain your answer (don’t assume the reader knows what
you are talking about)
– If you make a statement, explain its logic, why you believe the
statement is true
• Define key terms
• Correctly link the authors to their theories/arguments
• Provide accurate examples and explain how the examples
fit the theory
• Do NOT copy/paste text into your answers; reference your
sources!
• Answer the question
Exam rubric
• 9-10: Extraordinary answers—will include everything in a
‘7-8' answer but there is something ‘extra’ that really sets it
apart (e.g., making links between themes/weeks/concepts
from other courses, incredible balance/presenting of both
sides of argument evidence of engagement with literature,
etc.).
• 7-8: Solid answers—key terms defined, question answered
in a clear and structured way with evidence of an analytical
approach of some kind (engaging in a critique of practice
using concepts/ideas from class—not just saying ‘it didn’t
work’ if discussing a policy but bringing in concepts from
class). Links to cases (if relevant) clearly explained. For
example, don't just say ‘negotiated settlements don’t work
as happened in country X’. You should explain why the
settlement didn’t work in that particular context.
Exam rubric (cont.)
• 5-6: Answer is mostly descriptive. Key terms are
provided and, if applicable, the case study is evidence
of these ideas, but there is no analysis of any of the
types described above OR the analysis really doesn’t
make sense.
• 3-4: No real answer to the question and no analysis.
The student has primarily just written down everything
they know about the topic. There are some
inaccuracies and/or gaps.
• 1-2: No real answer to the question. Many or most
terms are incorrectly defined if used at all. Inaccuracies
in theories, authors, concepts, etc.
• 0: No answer.
Asymmetric conflict
• Terrorist attacks? Rebel attacks? Computer
viruses?
• Antagonists not fighting “fair”?
• Regular wars with parties possessing unequal
resources?
• An umbrella term for warfare between parties
with legal status differences, power
imbalances, or asymmetric strategies
Asymmetric conflict: legal status
• State actors (recognized as sovereign and possess
centralized armed forces) vs. non-state actors (lack
international recognition and operate under a more diffuse
chain of command)
Asymmetric conflict: resources
• The weaker actor lacks sophisticated
armaments (e.g., aircraft carriers, longrange
missiles) as well as manpower,
economic resources, technological
competence, or other assets to confront
the stronger actor on equal terms.
Asymmetric conflict: strategies
• Direct strategies targeting opponent’s fighting
capabilities vs. indirect strategies targeting
opponent’s willingness to fight
• What makes
rebel groups
prevail?