The Dragons and the Snakes: How the Rest Learned to Fight the West, with David Kilcullen and Carl Miller
Intelligence Squared
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Adapting Adversaries: Evolution of Non-State Actors
This chapter examines the evolution and adaptive strategies of non-state actors, particularly Al-Qaeda, in response to military challenges since the Cold War. It categorizes adversaries into 'dragons' and 'snakes,' highlighting how both state and non-state actors are learning from each other's combat tactics, resulting in a blend of warfare techniques. The discussion underscores the impact of technology and strategic shifts post-9/11, revealing how the focus on terrorism has enabled traditional state adversaries to evolve while highlighting the risks posed by decentralized non-state groups.
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