Conduct of War in the 21st Century: Kinetic, Connected and Synthetic

The book examines the key dimensions of 21st-century war and argues that traditional thinking about war needs to be updated to account for the changing nature of conflict. It explores topics such as hybrid warfare, cyber and influence activities, machine learning and artificial intelligence, the use of armed drones and air power, and the implications of counterinsurgency experiences. The book is of interest to students of military and strategic studies, security studies, and International Relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The 21st century has witnessed a profound transformation in the nature and scope of warfare, necessitating a reevaluation of traditional paradigms of conflict. This comprehensive book delves into the critical dimensions of this era's wars, highlighting the need for a fresh perspective on war, particularly in terms of its definition and tactics.

Accelerating societal, economic, political, and technological change has a profound impact on the way we prepare, equip, and organize for war, as well as how we conduct it, whether in its low-tech or high-tech manifestations. The volume examines these changes by exploring the key features of warfare in the first decades of the 21st century. Conceptually centered around the terms 'kinetic, 'connected, and 'synthetic, the analysis encompasses a wide range of topics.

Contributions from esteemed scholars and experts delve into diverse aspects of modern warfare, including hybrid warfare, cyber and influence activities, machine learning and artificial intelligence, the use of armed drones and air power, the lessons learned from counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, and their implications for lawfare and decision-making.

This book is of immense interest to students of military and strategic studies, security studies, and International Relations. Chapters 1, 2, 5, and 19 are freely available as downloadable Open Access PDFs at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

By examining the evolving nature of war in the 21st century, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing policymakers, military personnel, and scholars alike. It serves as a timely reminder that the art of war is constantly evolving, and that a proactive and adaptable approach is essential to ensure peace and security in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515249