The People's War, also called the Prolonged People's War, is a political-military strategy developed by Mao Zedong that is based on obtaining the support of the population and attracting the enemy so that the population can defeat it through a mobile war or a guerrilla war. It is a tactic widely used by Maoist organizations to fight against the government.
Examples of People's War in countries:
China
During the Chinese Civil War, the Communist Party of China led by Mao Zedong first employed the People's War, starting in mountainous and forested terrain where enemy forces were weak, and earning the trust of the population and using guerrilla warfare to gain control of the country.
Vietnam
During the Vietnam War, the Việt Cộng with the support of North Vietnam managed to defeat the forces of South Vietnam and the United States thanks to the great support of the peasant population and a very effective guerilla warfare tactic. The jungle geography was also very favorable for the Việt Cộng.
India
Since 1967, various communist organizations in India (nicknamed Naxalites) have been waging a People's War against the Indian government. According to the Naxalites, they have the support of the poorest and most rural sectors of the country, although they have also been accused of attacking structures and using child soldiers.
North Korea
During the Korean War, North Korea tried to invade South Korea to reunified Korea under the communism regime led by Kim Il-Sung with the support of Workers' Party of Korea managed to defeat South Korea but failed due to United Nations saves South Korea for being invaded.
Peru
During the Internal Conflict of Peru, the terrorist organization Shining Path led by Abimael Guzmán started a people's war in the Peruvian highlands, assassinating the inhabitants who did not support their cause, and with the course of the conflict, they would start making attacks in the cities. After the 90s and the capture of Abimael Guzmán, the Shining Path has been reduced considerably, but there is still a narco-terrorist cell in the VRAEM.
Philippines
In the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the New People's Army have been waging a people's war against the Philippine government.
Turkey
In Turkey, various communist and Maoist organizations such as the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front have been carrying out a people's war against the Turkish government, mainly in the Tunceli region.
Nepal
During the Nepalese Civil War, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) carried out a people's war against the monarchical government of Nepal, using guerilla warfare and gaining popular support. This insurgency would end in 2006, with the peace accords that made Nepal a republic, and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) would lay down their arms.