The British military--long considered the masters of counterinsurgency--encountered significant problems in Iraq and Afghanistan when confronted with insurgent violence. In their effort to apply the principles and doctrines of past campaigns, they failed to prevent Basra and Helmand from descending into lawlessness, criminality, and violence. By juxtaposing the deterioration of these situations against Britain's celebrated legacy of counterinsurgency, this investigation identifies both the contributions and limitations of traditional tactics in such settings, exposing a disconcerting gap between ambitions and resources, intent and commitment. Building upon this detailed account of the Basra and Helmand campaigns, this volume conducts an unprecedented assessment of British military institutional adaptation in response to operations gone awry. In calling attention to the enduring effectiveness of insurgent methods and the threat posed by under-governed spaces, Ucko and Egnell underscore the need for military organizations to acquire new skills for meeting the likely irregular challenges of future wars.

Untangling the British counterinsurgency legacy -- The British in Basra: with heads held high into the abyss -- Act II: British counterinsurgency in Helmand -- "A horse and tank moment" -- Whither British counterinsurgency?