An insurgent is a person who rises in revolt against established authority, often in a context of political or social upheaval. Insurgents typically engage in armed conflict or other forms of resistance against a government or ruling power, seeking to challenge its legitimacy, power, or policies. The term is often associated with guerilla warfare, civil wars, or revolutionary movements.
Insurgency can arise from various causes, including ethnic, political, or economic grievances, and it may be characterized by a lack of conventional military organization. Insurgents may use unconventional tactics, such as sabotage, ambushes, and propaganda, to achieve their goals. The term is distinct from "rebels," who may or may not be engaged in armed conflict against an established authority, and it can carry different connotations depending on the perspective of those using the term.