The new era of asymmetric war exposes the limits of conventional warfare
Key takeaways
- They each demonstrate how technology permits a weak state or even a non-state actor to hold a powerful adversary at bay.
- Asymmetric warfare is a new term for an old phenomenon.
- The U.S. gained its independence in an asymmetric war.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
They each demonstrate how technology permits a weak state or even a non-state actor to hold a powerful adversary at bay. They are asymmetric wars, conflicts in which one side fights for its survival while the other has a limited objective.
Asymmetric warfare is a new term for an old phenomenon.
The U.S. gained its independence in an asymmetric war. The small Continental Army and state militias never faced the might of the British Empire, whose army and navy had to defend territory around the globe, especially after the French entered the war. The colonials won by making it clear to the British that they could not defeat them at an acceptable cost in blood and treasure.