scope:

Purpose 

Allied Joint Publication (AJP)-3.4.4, Allied Joint Doctrine for Counter-insurgency (COIN), provides NATO joint doctrine to guide commanders, staffs and forces engaged in planning and conducting COIN. It also informs civil actors involved in stabilization and security operations about the full range of capabilities the military may contribute to a unity of effort required to contain an insurgency and/or support resolving complex problems. 

Having identified many lessons through recent operations, this AJP is primarily intended to guide users at the operational level. First, it explains the concepts of insurgency and counter-insurgency. Secondly, it describes the complex operating environment, its actors and important influencing factors. Although fragile states seem more susceptible to insurgency, this phenomenon is by no means limited to these states. Finally, it articulates the principles of COIN and planning considerations for potential operations. 

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has transformed significantly to enable the Alliance to meet the global challenges of instability. Alliance members are routinely engaged in conducting complex operations far beyond their own territory. To remain effective, NATO must maintain the ability to respond swiftly and decisively across a full range of scenarios. This requirement not only applies to preventing and mediating during conflict, but also extends to the normalization of environments emerging from, or still in, violent conflict to support recovery and provide a platform for political, economic and social stability. 

No statements and terminology pertaining to an insurgency and its organizational and operational patterns are intended to convey any legal connotation or combatant status. Instead, they should assist NATO commanders and staffs in understanding and describing their operating environment as well as planning and executing COIN operations