Gloves Off How Do We Fight Back?
Jul 29, 2025
Aisha Ahmad, a political science professor and insurgency expert at the University of Toronto, engages in a provocative discussion about the potential for a Canadian insurgency in the face of a U.S. invasion. She delves into the nuances of asymmetric warfare and the emotional realities of ordinary citizens turning to resistance. Insights from former IRA member Breige Brownlee add depth as they explore how everyday people transform into freedom fighters. The conversation tackles the ethics of military engagement and the intricate dynamics of power and resistance.
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Briege Brownlee's IRA Story
- Briege Brownlee was arrested at 18 for IRA membership and bombing in Northern Ireland.
- Her childhood was marked by violent raids that pushed her into insurgency early on.
Insurgency Tactics and Goals
- Insurgents are irregular fighters using asymmetric tactics, not conventional army battles.
- Their goal is to exhaust and bankrupt a stronger opponent, not outright win quickly.
Why Counterinsurgency Fails
- Conventional counterinsurgency methods fail due to insurgency's organic nature.
- Countermeasures like repression or targeting leaders often backfire, creating more insurgents.