Intelligence Squared Archive: Western Intervention and the Rise of Guerrilla Warfare, with David Kilcullen
May 24, 2024
Join David Kilcullen, a veteran soldier and counterinsurgency advisor, as he unpacks the complex aftermath of Western military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses how adversaries like Al-Qaeda and state actors have evolved tactics in response to these conflicts. The conversation also explores the rise of information warfare, the blurring lines between combatants and civilians, and the political dimensions of military engagement. Kilcullen's insights shed light on the changing nature of warfare in today's world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Adapting Adversaries
- Adversaries, including non-state actors like Al-Qaeda, have adapted and evolved their tactics.
- They've become learning organizations, studying Western interventions to improve their strategies.
Dragons and Snakes
- Kilcullen categorizes adversaries as "dragons" (state actors) or "snakes" (non-state actors).
- Dragons are adopting snake tactics, while snakes are gaining state-level capabilities.
Adaptation Mechanisms
- Four adaptation mechanisms exist: social learning, natural selection, artificial selection, and institutional adaptation.
- These explain how adversaries learn, evolve, and improve under pressure.
