What is Che Guevara’s foco theory of guerrilla warfare?

Che Guevara’s foco theory, or foquismo, is a doctrine of revolution detailed in his influential manual, Guerrilla Warfare (1960). Drawing from the experiences of the Cuban Revolution, the theory is predicated on three primary tenets:

• Military Capability: Guerrilla forces are capable of defeating a conventional army.1
• Creation of Conditions: It is not necessary to wait for all revolutionary conditions to exist before starting an uprising, as the rebellion itself can create the necessary conditions for success.1
• Geographic Suitability: The countryside of underdeveloped Latin American nations is uniquely suited for armed combat.1

This theory emphasizes the role of a small, dedicated nucleus of fighters—a foco—to spark broader social and political change through armed struggle.1