Law as Force in Hybrid Warfare
The Westphalian paradigm of warfare exists in the belief in the dichotomy between open war with stretches of peace in between. This Western perspective of warfare is traditionally linked to conflicts employing force through kinetic means to achieve military objectives, and by extension, political objectives. The existence of nuclear weapons
To Coup or Not to Coup: The Cold War Hangover of US Security Assistance
With recent military coups in July in Niger and in August in Gabon, commentators have heaped blame on the United States. Last year it was a coup in Mali and two in Burkina Faso, and, according to The Intercept, “at least 14 US-trained officers have taken part in coups in
Gray Zone – Chinese Political Warfare
Episode 88 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the Gray Zone through the lens of Chinese Political Warfare. Our guests begin by defining Chinese Political Warfare and how it differs from the Western approach to warfare. They then discuss examples of China’s information operations in the context of global
Wither Political Warfare: The Future of Gray Zone Competition
“Nothing becomes a General more than to anticipate the Enemy’s plans.” -- Niccolò Machiavelli, The Discourses, Book 3, Verse 18. The term “grey zone” was a curious absentee from this year’s Australian Defence Strategic Review (DSR). Nor were similar terms, like “political warfare,” “subversion,” or “irregular warfare,” even
Lessons in Maritime Insurgency from the Mukti Bahini Freedom Fighters of 1971
Editor’s note: This article is part of Project Maritime, which explores modern challenges and opportunities in the maritime dimension at the intersection of irregular warfare and strategic competition. We warmly invite your participation and engagement as we embark on this project. Please send submissions to submissions@irregularwarfare.org with
Solving for the Missing Element of Maritime Campaigning
Editor’s note: This article is part of Project Maritime, which explores modern challenges and opportunities in the maritime dimension at the intersection of irregular warfare and strategic competition. We warmly invite your participation and engagement as we embark on this project. Please send submissions to submissions@irregularwarfare.org with
Determining the True Extent of Terrorism’s Existential Threat
The apocalyptic cult Aum Shinrikyo sought to ignite a cataclysmic war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Asahara Shoko, the cult’s leader, believed Aum would incite the apocalypse, and he would emerge from the wreckage of humanity as a new Jesus Christ. This belief motivated Aum’s
A Backdoor Call to Arms: Foreign Fighters in National Defense
If you believe that activating irregulars, militias, and mercenaries to augment the security arm of the state is a dreadful policy idea, you are having a good year. The spectacle of the late Yevgeni Prigozhin and his quasi-rogue Wagner Group fighting externally and then threatening internally, is a chilling example
Sneaky War: How to Win the World Without Fighting
China. Russia. Iran. Everywhere you look, there’s talk of war. Some call it the “Thucydides Trap,” while others worry bellicose hotheads will drag us into World War III. People are nervous. Concern over China’s growing belligerence is the one issue that still unites Democrats and Republicans, as hearings
SOF Can Help Win the Competition for Influence in South America
The United States faces growing challenges from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in South America, and US Special Operations Forces (SOF) are often at the center of this competition. The National Security Strategy states, “Recognizing the direct link between the region’s prosperity and security and that of
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