A Pragmatist Approach to Insurgencies: Experience, Lived Situations and Public Problems

Abstract This paper reflects on the concept of insurgency. Through a review of conceptual and empirical literature, it argues that current conceptualisations limit our understanding of insurgencies by focusing on intentional, purposeful and non-evolutive practices, addressing single, external and objectified sources of oppression, considering oppressed groups as static and fixed realities, and understanding insurgencies only through thematic characterisations. Adopting a pragmatist approach, it conceptualises insurgencies as two interconnected experiences: an experience of transformation of lived problematic situations, and an experience of transformation of conventional approaches to treat public problems. The article suggests a new research agenda and critical position for scholars.