Question
Has the character of war changed?
Answer
The character of war has indeed changed, primarily due to technological advancements and evolving geopolitical contexts. While the fundamental nature of war—conflict driven by human interests—remains constant, the methods and actors involved have transformed significantly.
Key Changes in the Character of War
Technological Advancements: The introduction of advanced technologies, such as cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and lethal autonomous weapons systems, has drastically altered warfare strategies and methodologies. These technologies blur traditional distinctions between war, weapons, and fighters, intensifying the “fog of war” while enhancing situational awareness on conventional battlefields (Turunen, 2022; Markey, 2021; Braun, 2021).
Non-State Actors: The role of non-state actors has become more pronounced, especially in hybrid warfare contexts. These groups can effectively use modern technological weapons and AI-led devices, impacting operational-tactical levels even if not at the strategic level (Petrosyan, 2023).
Hybrid and Fifth Generation Warfare: Modern conflicts often involve hybrid warfare, which includes a mix of traditional and non-traditional methods such as information warfare, economic pressure, and irregular combat. Fifth generation warfare focuses on perception management and asymmetry, moving away from the traditional Clausewitzian view of war (Krishnan, 2022; Mamich et al., 2023).
Moral and Legal Challenges: The use of advanced technologies, such as drones and AI, raises significant moral and legal questions, particularly concerning human agency in warfare decisions (Braun, 2021).
The character of war is continuously evolving, driven by technological progress and the involvement of diverse actors. While the essence of war as a conflict of interests remains unchanged, the methods, tools, and participants have transformed, leading to more complex and multifaceted warfare scenarios. Understanding these changes is crucial for adapting military strategies and addressing the associated ethical and legal challenges.
References
Turunen, M., 2022. The Cyber Era`s Character of War. European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security. https://doi.org/10.34190/eccws.21.1.216
Petrosyan, M., 2023. The Role of Non-State Actors in Modern Warfare: The Case of Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, 26, pp. 149 – 163. https://doi.org/10.1080/19448953.2023.2233364
Krishnan, A., 2022. Fifth Generation Warfare, Hybrid Warfare, and Gray Zone Conflict: A Comparison. Journal of Strategic Security. https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.15.4.2013
Markey, M., 2021. Wired for War. Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioural Studies. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4957-5.CH012
Braun, C., 2021. LAWS and the Mala in Se Argument. Peace Review, 33, pp. 237 – 246. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402659.2021.1998855
Mamich, V., Maksimenko, Y., Popov, S., Solodeeva, L., & Shevchenko, V., 2023. STUDY OF THE FEATURES OF MODERN HYBRID WARS. Collection of scientific works of the Military Institute of Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University. https://doi.org/10.17721/2519-481x/2023/78-07
Malantowicz, A. (2013) ‘Civil War in Syria and the ‘New Wars’ Debate, Amsterdam Law Forum, Spring 2013, Vol 5, No. 3, pp. 52-60
Clausewitz, C. (2007) On War, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Kaldor, M. (1999) New and old wars: organised violence in a global era. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Strachan, H. and A. Herberg-Rothe (2008) ‘Introduction’, Clausewitz in the Twenty-first Century. H. Strachan and A. Herberg-Rothe (eds) Oxford: Oxford University Press
