1996

A Different Kind of Threat: Some Thoughts on Irregular Warfare

By Jeffrey B. White

Introduction

Since World War II, by one count, there have been more than 80 irregular conflicts. They include civil wars in Rwanda and Somalia, guerrilla wars in Sudan, and rebellions in

Chechyna; they involve irregular elements fighting against other irregular elements, regular forces of a central government intervention, or an external force.

The acquisition and use of modern military technology is often seen as a solution to the problems of warfare in the late 20th century, with information warfare the latest example.

Irregular warfare, however, remains confoundingly unaffected by changes in technology. In an irregular conflict, sociology, psychology, and history will have more to say about the nature of the conflict, including its persistence and intensity.

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