Western Way of War Revolutions Of War
Apr 8, 2021
In this discussion, Mary Kaldor, a leading expert in Global Governance and the Conflict Research Programme at LSE, shares her pioneering insights on the evolution of warfare. She outlines her 'New Wars, Old Wars' theory, illustrating the shift from state-centric conflicts to identity-driven battles. Kaldor emphasizes the importance of human security, challenging the traditional military mindset and advocating for strategies that focus on community well-being and addressing the roots of violence. Her thoughts on the implications for modern militaries spark engaging reflections on future conflict dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Old Versus New War Logic
- Old wars were state-centred decisive battles fought for conquest and ideology.
- New wars mix state and non-state actors, target civilians, and finance violence illicitly.
Clausewitz Trinity Intensifies Conflict
- Clausewitz's trinity of politicians, generals and people drives wars toward extreme outcomes.
- Mary Kaldor warns this dynamic produced the unparalleled devastation of the Second World War.
Revolutionary Wars As A Tactical Bridge
- Revolutionary wars in Algeria, Vietnam and Malaysia used safe havens and political mobilisation over decisive battle.
- Guerrillas built local support, harassed opponents, and intended to convert political control into final victory.