insurgency

This term carries a heavy political and military weight, typically describing an organized, armed rebellion against a recognized authority. It suggests a systemic challenge to power rather than a spontaneous riot or a small-scale protest, often implying a prolonged conflict involving guerrilla tactics. While it can be used neutrally in military reports, it often carries a negative connotation when used by the governing body to delegitimize the rebels. Conversely, those within the movement might prefer terms like revolution or liberation struggle to frame their actions as morally justified.