fjrigjwwe9r0pp_Books:Description
Warfare
has significantly changed over the centuries. Many of its traditional
attributes are no longer present, and there have been fundamental changes in
the concept of warfighting. Several major changes characterize the
transformation of modern warfare.
War
is undergoing profound changes, as it is becoming more murky and indistinct.
There is an extreme difficulty in attaining defeat and closure, leading to the
lengthening of wars. The Character of victory is changing. Earlier battles were
clear two-sided encounters with a clear defeat and victory. Today compromise
and negotiations appear to be taking the place of traditional victory. The
implication of this change is the lengthening of wars, because only when one side
“wins” will a war end.
Warfare
used to be the clash of two armies, whereas today it is unbalanced; a powerful
force is up against a significantly less powerful one. The outcome has been a
rise in insurgency and low intensity conflict. This change implies that
traditional warfare is less significant, as territory has become less of an
issue. The key question today is: how is any war carried out? The victim’s
rights are critical, as is the welfare of the enemy population. This
transformation makes it more difficult to engage in warfare.
Another
change is characterized by the alteration of the nature of the enemy.
Previously, war was conducted by countries fighting against other countries.
Today, Regimes are the enemy, and the enemy populations are seen as potential
allies. Yet, the concepts of military strategy appear to be unchanging. At its
most basic, strategy is a matter of figuring out what is needed for success,
determining the best way to use resources to achieve it, and then executing the
plan. Unfortunately, in the real world, all of these things are not easily
done. Today, strategic goals are complex and sometimes contradictory and may
change in the middle of a military Endeavour. Also, the adversary often refuses
to fit preconceptions.
Understanding
Strategy today suggests that its evolution be studied; especially through a
study of the great military classic of the past. Nations have been built as
well as lost by war. Military ideas and possibilities are at the heart of
innovation. Yet the foundation on which they are built has to be sound.
Strategy
continues to be a difficult art. It is hoped that this publication increases
the appreciation of military ideas and develops a greater understanding of the
evolution of strategy.