Advancing the Discourse Through Fiction: Introducing the Winners of Horizon 2040

Advancing the Discourse Through Fiction: Introducing the Winners of Horizon 2040

Since the dawn of human civilization, storytelling has been the foundation of how we understand our world, ourselves, and our future. From ancient oral traditions to contemporary literature, stories shape our identities, define our fears, and illuminate our aspirations. Our history is composed of the narratives that we tell about our past, and our future is envisioned through the tales we dare to imagine.

At Small Wars Journal, we believe that fiction is not just an art form but an essential tool for advancing the discourse of irregular warfare, conflict, and security. That is why we are proud to introduce the winners of our fiction contest and to reintroduce fiction as a vital category on our platform.

Ideas and strategies, no matter how important, often struggle to resonate when confined to dry policy papers, lengthy studies, or—heaven forbid—a military-style PowerPoint deck. Practitioners and decision-makers are far more likely to engage with new perspectives when they are embedded in compelling narratives. Fiction allows us to explore future threats and potential solutions in ways that raw analysis simply cannot. Through storytelling, we bridge the gap between abstract concepts and lived experience, making complex ideas accessible, gripping, and unforgettable.

At Small Wars Journal, our mission is clear: to Advance the Discourse at the Speed of Relevance. That is more than just a tagline—it is a commitment to dynamic, timely, and impactful dialogue. If we are serious about fulfilling this mission, then storytelling must be at the heart of what we do. Fiction is not an accessory to our analysis; it is as critical as our essays, interviews, field reports, and peer-reviewed research. By embracing fiction, we empower our community to engage with the evolving character of irregular warfare in new and innovative ways.

To foster this creative exploration, we partnered with Motive International to create Horizon 2040, a fiction-writing contest dedicated to imagining the future of psychological operations and irregular warfare. This competition sought to harness the ingenuity of amateur and professional writers alike, challenging them to craft visions of the future that provoke thought, inspire action, and deepen our collective understanding of emerging threats and opportunities. The results were impressive.

Over the next few weeks, we will publish the winning stories from Horizon 2040 here at Small Wars Journal. If you are a paid member of SWJ, you will receive exclusive early access to these thought-provoking pieces before they reach the broader public. These stories are more than entertainment—they are powerful explorations of the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of conflict and influence.

As we celebrate the winners of Horizon 2040, we also issue a call to action: SUBMIT YOUR FICTION!. We want to continue showcasing creative and visionary work that helps our community think critically about the future of irregular warfare. Your stories have the power to shape minds, influence strategies, and advance the discourse in ways that traditional analysis alone cannot achieve.

The battlefield of ideas is ever-changing, and we must adapt with it. Join us in this effort—submit your stories, read the works of your peers, and help us build a richer, more imaginative vision of the future. The discourse moves at the speed of relevance, and the future is waiting to be told.