What's the difference between an "insurgent" and a "resistance fighter"?

Answer 1

Technically they are both the same person but an Insurgent is some one involved in the rising in revolt against established authority, especially a government, while a resistance fighter could be described as a person who is involved in the fight against a changing authority (Government/Military Power).

Also it is a media/political statement in modern warfare - an Insurgent would be used to describe an aggressive 'bad guy', while a Resistance Fighter has a more positive image and has a mental link with 'Freedom Fighter'.
As a Military or Government body, who would you rather be seen to be fighting by the public - a bunch of bad guys or a society trying to fight for their own freedom?

Answer 2

Much depends on the context of their actions. A resistance fighter (or "freedom fighter") will choose targets of military or paramilitary significance (police station, e.g.) An insurgent (or "terrorist") specifically targets civilians and innocents. Admittedly the lines get a bit blurred, sometimes. Those who are planting mines to harm US troops could be considered resistance, but they are acting against the elected and recognized government of the country, and therefore could be considered insurgents. Take your pick.

Answer 3

It all depends upon which side of the fence you stand. Although there are a few places in current turmoil where an insurgency is considered guerrilla warfare by all. i.e. some small countries or areas in Africa. But, this is not a modern or even new distinction. Just think about our freedom fighters. Washington, Henry, Franklin, et al. The British sure thought they were insurgents, eh?

Answer 4

An insurgent is someone that is trying to push against what the majority wants or has recently changed. A resistance fighter is fighting against a small group of powerful people. The terrorists in Iraq are insurgents because the general population of Iraq has shown they want freedom and democracy by voting in numbers better than the US population votes, and against threat of death. People attacking the Shah of Iran and his group of power-holders would be considered resistance fighters because the population has shown great desire to be democratic, but hasn't rallied together to overthrow the Shah.

Answer 5

It depends which side you are on. The Tamil Tigers may say they are resistance fighters or freedom fighters. The Sri Lankan government may well call them insurgents, or rebels, or outlaws, or even guerilla fighters.

I'm guessing your question is about Iraq but the above pretty much applies.

What's in a name eh?

Answer 6

Perspective. An insurgent is someone who, according to the authorities, is trying to overthrow them and a resistance fighter is the same person from his own point of view...

Answer 7

Insurgents are foreign fighters (ie not Iraqis) who come to Iraq to kill not only the occupying forces but also Iraqi civilians, Shi'ite Muslims, and anyone who happens to be in the way. This inculdes beheading civilians live on Video.

Resistance fighters are people who take up arms against the forces occupying their own country and only attack military targets.

There is a massive difference.

Answer 8

There's technically no difference in my opinion. They're both fighters against a regime that's in control. That regime might be benign or malignant which is why the people in Iraq who get a kick from leaving bombs in crowded markets and killing children can call themselves freedom fighters or resistance fighters.

Very confusing times. Look at Star Wars. We're encouraged through pop culture to think that resistance fighters are the heros, but people who are brainwashed into thinking that they'll be rewarded in heaven by walking into a police station and murdering everyone in it (including themselves)? Are they heroes?

Answer 9

Easy, terrorists are insurgents....US military fighting them are the resistance fighters. Don't believe the hype that the media is feeding you, trying to humanize coward terrorists.

Answer 10

leaving spin and propaganda aside a resistance fighter is one defending his country and government from an outside invader. an insurgent is an outside invader or is trying to overthrow the existing governement