Theoretical starting points in considering the concept of asymmetric warfare

Abstract

The issue of the concept of asymmetric warfare is extremely important for modern military theoretical thought, since modern wars are based on the asymmetric strategic relationship of the conflicting parties. The previous concepts of irregular warfare, which dealt with the problem of asymmetry, such as guerilla, insurgency or partisan warfare, do not provide a complete insight into the complex nature of the strategic relationship of the asymmetric opponents. They arise from a one-sided view of the weaker actor in a conflict. The lack of a one-sided approach in the aforementioned concepts can be overcome through the concept of asymmetric warfare, which allows a consideration of both parties in a conflict; this is exactly the analytical value of this concept compared to the previous ones. However, due to its theoretical incoherence, the concept of asymmetric warfare is often criticized for having a small value in use. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present the essential characteristics of this concept, where Clausewitz's views on war can certainly be used, as well as the mentioned concepts of irregular warfare, and also different views on asymmetric warfare, developed after the Cold War.

Keywords

• theory
• war
• warfare
• asymmetry
• guerilla
• insurgency
• terrorism