The Trident

Episode 1: Words Matter: Irregular Warfare Definitions and Constructs

Jan 29, 2024
David H. Ucko, a professor focused on irregular warfare, Robert S. Burrell, an expert in diplomacy and military history, and Richard Tilley, who advises on competition strategies, dive deep into the evolving definitions of Irregular Warfare. They discuss the significance of legitimacy in military engagements, especially in Ukraine, and the blurred lines between traditional warfare and insurgency. The trio also explores the connection between organized crime and irregular warfare, emphasizing the need for clear strategies to adapt to modern conflict scenarios.
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INSIGHT

IW Definition Debate Complexity

  • Defining irregular warfare is challenging because conventional warfare doesn't truly exist as a pure concept.
  • Warfare inherently involves politics, society, and contestation, complicating strict definitions.
ADVICE

Define IW for Joint Force Use

  • Create definitions the Joint Force can build capabilities around to meet real operational needs.
  • Include terms like indirect, non-attributable, and coercive to capture modern irregular warfare dynamics.
INSIGHT

Legitimacy Central to IW

  • Legitimacy remains central to understanding irregular warfare as it relates to political authority and will.
  • Ukraine exemplifies irregular warfare where legitimacy struggles underlie violent conflict.
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