In this engaging discussion, national security expert Sean McFate, who has an extensive background in military service and private contracting, delves into the evolving nature of irregular warfare. He introduces the clever concept of 'sneaky war' and emphasizes the need for unconventional tactics against global adversaries like China. The conversation also highlights the rising influence of mercenaries like the Wagner Group and the crucial role of information warfare in modern conflicts, urging a sophisticated approach to combat disinformation.
The concept of 'sneaky war' illustrates the necessity of blending unconventional and conventional strategies to counter adversaries like China effectively.
The rise of mercenaries, exemplified by the Wagner Group, highlights a significant shift in warfare dynamics, enabling states to engage with plausible deniability.
Deep dives
The Nature of Irregular Warfare
Irregular warfare is characterized by the fluidity of its definition, as it encompasses a range of tactics and strategies that do not fit conventional warfare molds. Both speakers emphasize that distinguishing between 'conventional' and 'irregular' is mostly a mental construct, which can impede strategic decision-making. True conflict dynamics often blur these lines, as adversaries like China adeptly exploit these misconceptions to gain an upper hand. Rather than falling into rigid classifications, it is more practical to recognize warfare as a continuous spectrum of conflict that necessitates adaptable responses.
The Concept of Sneaky War
The idea of 'sneaky war' emerges as a novel approach to address modern strategic competition, suggesting that unconventional methods can achieve significant results without escalating to overt conflict. Colonel Ed Krupp discusses how the U.S. military must adapt its strategies to blend irregular tactics with conventional capabilities, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to counteract adversaries using lawfare and other means. By integrating these sneaky methodologies, the objective is to create strategic dilemmas that divert attention and resources from the adversaries. Ultimately, it is about leveraging ingenuity to outmaneuver opponents in the gray zones of warfare, rather than relying solely on traditional military power.
The Rise of Mercenaries
Mercenaries, like the Wagner Group, have become increasingly pivotal in modern conflict, serving as tools for executing irregular warfare with plausible deniability for state actors. Their operations have expanded beyond traditional battlegrounds into areas like Africa and the Middle East, allowing states to exert influence while avoiding direct accountability. This capability to wage war while maintaining a façade of peace is highly valued in the era of information warfare, where public perception matters immensely. Consequently, the use of mercenaries represents a significant evolution in warfare, showcasing a shift towards leveraging non-state actors for strategic gains.
Strategic Competition and Information Warfare
The interplay between conventional and irregular warfare is explored through the lens of information warfare, with examples drawn from recent geopolitical events like the Ukraine conflict. Both speakers highlight the importance of understanding adversaries' behaviors and leveraging information operations to elucidate their predatory actions in various conflicts. They emphasize the need to fortify interagency cooperation and multilayered strategies in the Indo-Pacific to combat disinformation effectively while creating vulnerabilities for adversaries. This proactive communication strategy aims to illuminate adversaries' malign activities, reinforcing the resolve of allies and the international community in an era of strategic ambiguity.
Episode 119 discusses irregular warfare in the Indo-Pacific with Dr. Sean McFate, and COL Ed Croot.
Our guests discuss the evolving landscape of irregular warfare. They critique the conventional vs. irregular warfare paradigm, introduce the concept of 'sneaky war,' and explore the importance of unconventional strategies in countering global adversaries like China. Finally the conversation delves into the interplay between conventional and irregular tactics, the rise of mercenaries like the Wagner Group, and strategies to counter disinformation.
Dr. Sean McFate is an author, novelist, and national security expert. He holds three professorships: Georgetown University, National Defense University, and Syracuse University. His diverse career includes roles as a U.S. Army paratrooper, private military contractor, and international business executive, with extensive experience in conflict zones and political risk consulting. McFate has written critically acclaimed non-fiction, including The New Rules of War.
COL Ed Croot is an active-duty army officer currently serving in Ft Liberty. Ed has years of experience serving the special operations and intelligence communities across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Ed has served from the tactical to the strategic levels of command and most recently as the Operations Director for the Special Operations Command - Pacific.
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