insurrections

An insurrection is an organized attempt by a group of people to resist or overthrow a government or other authority, typically through the use of force or the threat of force. The term is used across political science, journalism, and law to describe internal challenges to legitimacy, as distinct from a formal revolution, which usually seeks comprehensive systemic change. Insurrections may be regional or episodic and can involve political, ethnic, or religious actors. Legally, insurrection is often treated as a crime against the state, while some jurisdictions distinguish it from larger acts of rebellion or civil war.

Causes commonly include political exclusion, economic grievances, ethnic or religious tensions, and perceived illegitimacy of rulers. Insurrections may arise when governing structures fail to address demands, when state security forces are weak, or when external actors provide support or recognition. They are characterized by organization and leadership, access to weapons or improvised arms, and aims ranging from limited concessions to regime change. Outcomes vary: suppression by authorities, negotiated settlements, or, less frequently, successful replacement of the government.

Examples include the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) in China, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Easter Rising (1916) in Ireland, and post-Gulf War uprisings in Iraq (1991). Across history insurrections have affected states, generations, and policies even when quickly contained, sometimes accelerating reforms or prompting shifts in governance and security practices.