Western Way of War Evolving the Western Way of War into (and out of) COIN
Apr 1, 2021
Ben Barry, a Senior Fellow for Land Warfare at IISS with extensive operational experience, discusses the rapid evolution of Western military strategies, particularly in counterinsurgency. He argues that militaries often overlook valuable lessons learned from past conflicts. The conversation highlights challenges faced in adapting to new warfare, the significance of leadership in fostering effective military capabilities, and the impact of combat experience on military leadership, contrasting it with China’s military structure.
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Western Way of War Defined
- The Western way of war relies on air superiority, vast ISR, stable supply lines, and secure bases.
- Evolving it to face state competitors with area denial is a major challenge.
Discarding Experience is Cultural
- Militaries tend to discard past experience quickly as a cultural trait.
- This phenomenon is common across hierarchical and some non-hierarchical organizations.
Leadership Drives Change Under Fire
- General Richards forced the British Army onto a war footing in Afghanistan in 2008 to avoid defeat.
- Some leaders in US, UK, and Taliban forces adapted tactics and recognized when to change.
