There is a common thread which connects successful insurgencies throughout the history of warfare. Successful insurgencies have essential elements of support from its own population and from a foreign country. They also have the decisive advantage of no time limit for victory. This essay will examine the commonalities of insurgent warfare during the American Revolution and Vietnam War. Counterinsurgencies are traditionally long and excruciating wars which are rarely won. They are especially challenging in a democratic type government. Democracies are designed to serve the desires of its population. This fact proves to be a fundamental weakness when faced with a counterinsurgency.

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