Nonstate Actors and Anti Access/Area Denial Strategies: The Coming Challenge
Abstract
This monograph explores the emerging challenge of nonstate actors anti-access and area denial (A2/ AD) strategies and their implications for the United States and its allies. This monograph starts from one major development: the historical monopoly of states over precision-guided munitions has eroded, and this evolution eventually challenges the ability of the most advanced militaries to operate in certain environments. Questioning the type of strategy that nonstate actors may implement as they gain greater access to advanced military technology, the research argues some of these groups increasingly lean toward A2/ AD strategies. The analysis focuses on two regions, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where case studies include Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis in Yemen, and separatist groups in Ukraine. Three key parameters are underlined to assess emerging nonstate A2/AD strategies: a political shift toward the preservation of the status quo vis-vis opponents, a significant focus of military resources dedicated to A2/AD capabilitiesprimarily missiles and rockets, and finally, a consequential adaptation of the military units responsible for the implementation of this new strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1103363
Entities
People
- Jean-loup Samaan
Organizations
- United States Army War College