Framing the debate using case studies from across South Asia as well as China, Afghanistan and Burma and using a wealth of primary and secondary sources, this book takes a closer look at the organization and doctrines of the 'shadow armies' and the government forces which fight the former. It is a welcome addition to the growing field of interest on civil wars and insurgencies in South Asia and enables us to better understand whether South Asia is witnessing a 'New War' and whether the twenty-first century belongs to the insurgents.