Strategic Studies Institute
United States Army War College

Irregular Enemies and the Essence of Strategy: Can the American Way of War Adapt?

Authored by Dr. Colin S. Gray.

Other Studies by Keyword

+[Gray] +[Irregular Challenges]

Brief Synopsis

The author offers a detailed comparison between the character of irregular warfare, insurgency in particular, and the principal enduring features of "the American way." He concludes that there is a serious mismatch between that "way" and the kind of behavior that is most effective in countering irregular foes. The author poses the question, Can the American way of war adapt to a strategic threat context dominated by irregular enemies? He suggests that the answer is "perhaps, but only with difficulty."

Survey: Irregular Enemies and the Essence of Strategy: Can the American Way of War Adapt?

1. How would you rate the writing and overall quality?

ExcellentGoodAverageBelow AveragePoor

2. Is the content relevant for influencing present and future debates?

YesNoNo Opinion

Your Comments (No URLs Allowed):

If you'd like a reply to your comments provide your email:
(optional)

You may also be interested in the following titles:

India's Strategic Defense Transformation: Expanding Global Relationships
2009 Key Strategic Issues List
China's Strategic Culture: A Perspective for the United States
China's Maritime Quest

Also by the Author/Editor:

Schools for Strategy: Teaching Strategy for 21st Century Conflict
After Iraq: The Search for a Sustainable National Security Strategy
The Implications of Preemptive and Preventive War Doctrines: A Reconsideration
Recognizing and Understanding Revolutionary Change in Warfare: The Sovereignty of Context
Transformation and Strategic Surprise
Maintaining Effective Deterrence
Defining and Achieving Decisive Victory

View other pubs in the following categories:

Asia Pacific
Japan