WINNING THE URBAN WAR: USING STRATEGIC COIN MODELS TO DEFEAT CRIMINAL INSURGENCIES IN RIO DE JANEIRO—A MULTIDOMAIN APPROACH

Abstract

Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is facing a major threat called criminal insurgency. This is an evolution of organized crime, similar to a traditional insurgency, in which criminals exert control in various areas, in the physical, human, and informational dimensions, undermining the authority of the state, establishing international connections, and challenging the country’s sovereignty. This thesis seeks to understand how strategic counterinsurgency models, such as McCormick’s Magic Diamond and the Area of Influence Model, can contribute to developing a strategy to address this problem by addressing the root causes of criminal insurgency and its supports, adopting a multidomain approach. By understanding how criminal insurgents operate and carrying out actions guided by counterinsurgency strategic models, this thesis suggests developing customized actions using the elements of national power to obtain better results.Recommendations include strengthening multidomain capabilities in the Brazilian Marine Corps, creating civil affairs and psychological operations military operational specialties and units, strengthening ties for cooperation with international allies, developing new mobile patrol means and doctrines according to the terrain’s reality, and continuously evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the operation in order to adjust it if necessary.