text: Operational Environment of Counterinsurgency
  LEADERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR DIRECTION
  1-89. A vulnerable population alone will not support an insurgency. There must be a leadership element
  that can direct the frustrations of the population. If insurgents can recruit, co-opt, or coerce local leaders or
  the local leaders are part of the insurgency, these leaders can direct the frustrations of the populace.
  LACK OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL
  1-90. Real or perceived lack of governmental control can allow insurgents to operate with little or no
  interference from security forces or other agencies. The greater the control the government has over the
  situation, the less likely are the chances for insurgent success. The opposite is also true. If the government
  is not providing what the people believe their government should, insurgents may provide an alternative
  government, or “shadow” government, or they may merely nullify governance to allow freedom of action
  and movement, depending on their end state. Host Nation failure to see or admit that there is an issue
  or outright refusal to change can further strengthen this prerequisite.
  ROOT CAUSES
  1-91. There are five general categories of root causes for insurgencies. A root cause is the basis of a
  grievance among the population. Some or all of these grievances may fuel an insurgency to varying
  degrees. The importance of the root causes, or even their existence, can change over time. Additionally,
  insurgents may be adept at manipulating or creating root causes and grievances to serve their purpose.
  IDENTITY
  1-92. Many factors impact a person’s sense of identity, but membership in a socio cultural group may
  have the deepest influence. Strong feelings based on identity can be in conflict with the group identity
  of the majority of the members of the Host Nation government, potentially leading to insurgencies with
  secession or political overthrow as goals. External nations with similar social identities as the insurgents
  may assist.
  RELIGION
  1-93. While religion is often a primary identity, it can become important enough to be a considered a
  separate identity unto itself. In this way, religious fundamentalism or extremism can become a root cause
  of an insurgency in and of itself. External groups with similar extremist religious views as the insurgents
  may assist.
  OCCUPATION OR EXPLOITATION
  1-94. Popular perception of outsiders either occupying the HN, or excessive HN pandering to outsiders,
  can be a source of insurgency. For example, foreign businesses can dominate critical portions of the local
  economy. This can occur to the point that some may feel that they or their country are being exploited.
  An outside military presence or military treaty may offend national sentiment. The mere presence
  or specific actions of foreigners may offend religious or cultural sensibilities as well.
  ECONOMIC FAILURE
  1-95. Pervasive and desperate poverty can often be a root cause of an insurgency. Starving young
  people without jobs or hope are ripe for insurgent recruitment. A large gap between the vast poor majority
  and a small extremely rich minority will exacerbate these issues.