Fourth Generation War (4GW) emerged in the late 1980s, but has become popular due to recent twists in the war in Iraq, and terrorist attacks worldwide. In brief, the theory holds that warfare has evolved through four generations: 1) the…
The author explores the nature of war, and how it has changed as a result of globalization. He uses the Clausewitzian model of war’s trinity (political guidance, chance, and enmity) as a framework for understanding the nature of war, a…
The author cuts through the myriad interpretations surrounding the concept and gets back to the original idea as conceived by its author, the Prussian military theorist, Carl von Clausewitz. In going back to the original concept, Lieutenant Colonel Echevarria reveals…
The author addresses the issues regarding the ideal relationship between the commander and the statesman in time of war and the balance between political control and military operational expertise by examining what Carl von Clausewitz has to say about civil-…
In April 1994, the Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute held its annual Strategy Conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “The Revolution in Military Affairs: Defining an Army for the 21st Century.” Sir Michael and Professor Guilmartin are…
Revolutions in military affairs have never been strictly military phenomena. Social and political transformations in the past have also been major and often catalytic ingredients of such revolutions. The current revolution is no exception, whether it involves the relationship of…