19th Century Strategy and its Applicability to Insurgent Warfare
19th Century Strategy and its Applicability to Insurgent Warfare
by Dr. Geoffrey Demarest, Small Wars Journal
19th Century Strategy and its Applicability to Insurgent Warfare (Full PDF Article)
Irregular warfare (insurgency, low intensity conflict, etc.) is said to have a generally different character than conventional, maneuver warfare. So be it, but it does not necessarily follow that classic military strategic principles are inapplicable. One of the best statements of classic strategy comes from a British barrister writing before the advent of airpower. His expression reminds us that the important lines in linear warfare are not the fronts, but the lines of communication. This considered, the notion of ‘non-linear warfare’ can mislead. The line of retreat is especially highlighted, helping us place Mao’s teaching more closely to Jomini’s.
19th Century Strategy and its Applicability to Insurgent Warfare (Full PDF Article)
