Insider: Short of War

Bridging the Gap: Why Conventional Forces Need Irregular Warfare Training

By Austin Wesley, a US Army officer.
 
This essay argues that the US Army must break its cycle of neglecting irregular warfare (IW) by fully integrating IW concepts into its Professional Military Education (PME) for conventional forces. Drawing lessons from Vietnam and Iraq, the author demonstrates how the Army's focus on Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) has repeatedly left it unprepared for irregular conflicts. The piece emphasizes that IW is not solely the domain of Special Operations Forces, but a critical competency for all Army personnel. It proposes specific changes to PME, including early and frequent exposure to IW concepts, incorporation of IW into planning exercises, and instruction by conventional force leaders. The author contends that these changes are essential for preparing the Army to effectively wage both conventional and irregular warfare in support of joint force operations.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Keep Warfare Irregular

Partners in Peril: Hybrid Threats Come for Jordan

By Anthony Marco a US Army officer and advisor to the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Proxies and Partners Special Project. This article is part of Project Proxies and Partners, which explores the promises and pitfalls of security cooperation in war, at peace, and in between.
 
Anthony Marco examines the complex security challenges facing Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. Marco analyzes how Iran, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood are leveraging hybrid warfare tactics, including disinformation campaigns and weapons smuggling, to destabilize the Jordanian monarchy. The author argues that while Jordan has played a crucial role in regional counterterrorism efforts and in countering Iranian aggression, it faces growing internal and external threats that could potentially upend the regional balance of power. Marco concludes by proposing that the United States should develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Jordan's military capabilities and political resilience, emphasizing the need for enhanced foreign internal defense, counterterrorism support, and military information support operations to complement ongoing efforts to bolster Jordan's conventional military strength.
 
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Keep Warfare Irregular

Decapitating The Hydra: Iran’s Response Options To Israel’s Offensive

by Doug Livermore the Director of Engagements for the Irregular Warfare Initiative.
 
This essay analyzes Israel's recent strikes against Iran's proxy forces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It examines the strategic implications of these operations, which have significantly degraded Tehran's regional influence network. The author explores Iran's limited response options, constrained by the loss of key proxy capabilities, internal instability, and the threat of overwhelming Israeli and Western retaliation. The piece considers the credibility dilemma Iran now faces and speculates on potential moves by remaining proxies like Iraqi militias. Ultimately, the essay argues that while Israel's actions may weaken Iran's regional power in the short term, the long-term effects will depend on Tehran's ability to adapt and potentially rebuild its proxy network.
 
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Keep Warfare Irregular

Call for Submissions: Policy Recommendations for the New Administration

By Tobias Bernard Switzer, the Editorial Director of the Irregular Warfare Initiative
 
When a new American president takes office on January 20th, they will confront a dangerous national security environment shaped by Irregular Warfare (IW) challenges. From cyber warfare and gray zone conflicts to terrorism and insurgency, these challenges demand immediate, actionable solutions.
The Irregular Warfare Initiative invites you to contribute fresh, pragmatic, and non-partisan policy recommendations to help shape the next administration’s approach to these threats. We welcome contributions from practitioners, policymakers, and academics alike.
 
The announcement and further details can be found at this link.
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Boxing with Shadows: Drawbacks in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group

by Dalton T. Fuss, a US Army Special Forces Officer, and Nakissa P. Jahanbani, a senior analyst at the Afghanistan War Commission, as a part of Project Proxies and Partners
 
This essay examines the shortcomings in U.S. strategies against the Wagner Group and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It highlights two key issues: these groups' ability to operate in obscure regions with little scrutiny, and the U.S. government's poor coordination of its national assets. The authors argue that adversaries like Russia and Iran employ more cohesive approaches combining soft and hard power, while the U.S. struggles with a fragmented strategy. They call for improved inter-agency coordination, increased international awareness, and a multifaceted approach to counter these groups' influence in vulnerable regions.
 
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Shining a Light: Highlighting Successes in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group

Shining a Light: Highlighting Successes in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group
 
by Dalton T. Fuss, a US Army Special Forces Officer, and Nakissa P. Jahanbani, a senior analyst at the Afghanistan War Commission, as a part of Project Proxies and Partners
 
This essay, the first installment of a two-part series, examines successful US counterstrategies against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Russian Wagner Group. It focuses on two key approaches: leveraging open-source intelligence to expose these organizations' structures and operations, and utilizing direct military force when necessary. The authors highlight the similarities between these state-affiliated non-state actors, their methods of operation, and the challenges they pose to US interests. By analyzing these successes, the article provides valuable insights for policymakers, military strategists, and intelligence officials dealing with similar threats in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. The piece emphasizes the importance of adaptability, innovation, and coordinated efforts across various instruments of national power in effectively countering these shadowy organizations, while also noting the ongoing challenges the US faces in presenting a unified front against such adversaries. This first part sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic in the subsequent installment.
 
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Autonomous Ghosts are Reshaping Irregular Warfare and Maritime Security

Autonomous Ghosts are Reshaping Irregular Warfare and Maritime Security
by Laurel Baker the 2024 Rising Expert on Geostrategy in the Rising Experts Program at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Project Maritime. Baker works for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a National Nuclear Security Administration Graduate Fellow.
 
Laurel Baker explores the emerging threat of unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) and their profound impact on irregular warfare and international security. Baker examines how these autonomous systems are reshaping naval strategy, challenging traditional maritime force compositions, and complicating the attribution of aggression at sea. She delves into the vulnerabilities of critical underwater infrastructure, particularly undersea cables, and how UMVs could be used for surveillance and sabotage. The piece discusses recent incidents involving UMVs, from Russian mapping operations to Houthi attacks, highlighting the lowered barriers to entry in maritime conflicts. Baker also addresses the legal and operational challenges posed by UMVs, including gaps in maritime law and difficulties in enforcement. The essay concludes by considering the implications for naval powers like the United States, suggesting the need for both defensive and offensive UMV capabilities, as well as regulatory reforms to address this new frontier in maritime security. Throughout, Baker emphasizes the dual nature of UMVs as both potential threats and valuable assets in the evolving landscape of naval warfare.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Uprooting the Enemy: A New Paradigm for Irregular Warfare Analysis

Uprooting the Enemy: A New Paradigm for Irregular Warfare Analysis
by Nicholas Krohley founder of Frontline Advisory. This article and accompanying report are a part of Project SOF in Competition. The report titled Integrated Understanding: Re-Thinking the Human Environment of Military Operations, is the first of the Irregular Warfare Initiative's occasional paper series.
 
Nicholas Krohley argues for the professionalization of analytical approaches in irregular warfare. He contends that while the U.S. has emphasized irregular warfare as an operational activity, it has neglected to develop a robust, systematic understanding of the environments where such warfare occurs. Krohley critiques past analytical shortcomings in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, highlighting how limited frameworks led to strategic failures. He proposes institutionalizing a more comprehensive analytical foundation for irregular warfare, suggesting the development of standardized products like a "Root Map" to better understand adversaries within their operational contexts. This approach, Krohley asserts, would integrate enemy-centric intelligence with broader environmental factors, potentially enhancing the design, execution, and evaluation of irregular warfare campaigns across the competition continuum.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
If you value reading the Irregular Warfare Initiative, please consider supporting our work. And for the best gear, check out the IWI store for mugs, coasters, apparel, and other items. Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.
 
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Burma's Quest for Drone Supremacy: A Cautionary Tale

Burma's Quest for Drone Supremacy: A Cautionary Tale
by Beau Chapman, Alexander Suster, and Steven Ahart from the University of Texas Austin's Global Disinformation Lab in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Project Air and Space Power.
 
Burma's military junta, in its desperate bid to maintain power, has embarked on a complex and controversial journey into the world of drone warfare. From ambitious domestic production plans to covert international dealings, the regime's quest for aerial supremacy reveals a stark tale of grandiose dreams colliding with harsh realities. This deeply researched exposé traces the evolution of Burma's drone program, uncovering collaborations with China, Russia, and potentially Iran, while highlighting the junta's pivot to smaller, more practical drone solutions in the face of ongoing civil strife. As the military adapts its tactics, equipping commercial drones with locally manufactured bombs, the piece illuminates not only Burma's internal struggles but also the wider implications for regional stability and global efforts to control drone proliferation. Ultimately, this analysis offers critical insights into the challenges of regulating emerging military technologies and the potential for their misuse by authoritarian regimes.
 
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.
The link to the essay can be found here at the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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Seize the Advantage: Three Models to Improve Security Cooperation Planning

Seize the Advantage: Three Models to Improve Security Cooperation Planning
In this essay, James P. Micciche, a US Army Strategist, presents a comprehensive framework for improving security cooperation planning and execution in support of U.S. defense strategy. He proposes three interconnected models: one that emphasizes clearly defined objectives tied to policy goals, another that focuses on understanding the operating environment with particular attention to partner nations' capabilities and institutions, and a third that advocates for developing campaigns of integrated, coordinated, and sequenced efforts. Micciche argues that by implementing these models, the United States can better leverage its network of allies and partners as a strategic advantage, aligning with the goals of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. The essay underscores the importance of moving beyond discrete security cooperation activities to a more holistic, campaign-oriented approach that maximizes limited resources and accounts for wide-ranging effects in an era of strategic competition.
The link to the essay can be found here at the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.
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