An insurgency group is a group of individuals that aims to overthrow a recognized government. Unlike revolutions, where the goal is broad popular support, insurgencies tend to be narrowly focused on their own specific interests. Insurgents can be organized into cells, with each cell focusing on a particular action such as an attack, ambush or raid. This organization helps insurgents hide their activities from the state and makes it difficult for the government to locate insurgent locations. Insurgents can also organize into integrated groups, with a central command and control structure that has the ability to coordinate strategy across local units. Integrated insurgents are the most resilient. They can withstand attacks and can operate for long periods of time. They can also develop military prowess and become a threat to the state.
Insurgency theorists have argued that insurgents often start with prewar political networks. These may be social networks such as political parties, religious associations or student groups or tribal ties. When these networks are restructured for war they form new insurgent groups. Insurgency theorists have also argued that insurgents use a variety of methods to attract and retain supporters. They must have a clear popular objective and craft a narrative to support it.
Insurgents must find ways to finance their operations and recruit members. They must also manage their relationships with other insurgent groups. They must be careful not to inadvertently incite a civil war, which could alienate them from their original support base.
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