The Russo-Ukranian Conflict through the Lens of Sun Tzu
Abstract
Many scholars classify Russias actions within Ukraine in 2014 as hybrid warfare since Russia combined both conventional and unconventional warfare to achieve its political objectives. Further investigation and analysis of the methods employed by Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian War is appropriate as Russias swift and decisive success could lead to similar operations in the future. Viewing and analyzing the Russo-Ukrainian conflict through the lens of Sun Tzu provides a unique perspective to the potentially evolving character of Russian warfare in the 21st century. In particular, Sun Tzus strategic concepts of Cheng and Chi, Tao of deception, and nonmilitary means to achieve victory provide an excellent framework to analyze the 2014 Russo-Ukrainian War for clues about the character of Russian warfare. Russias evolution of hybrid warfare, specifically Russian influence over the information environment, is traced to Russias historic use of active measures and reflexive control theory to affect the tactical, operational, and strategic environments. An analysis of Russias incursions within Estonia in 2007 and Georgia in 2008 exhibits an evolution of Russian nonlinear doctrine and tactics subsequently refined during the Russo-Ukrainian War. To avoid the military strength of the West, it is evident Russia favors the application of nonlinear warfare over conventional warfare to further its strategic goals. Increasing the resilience of the United States against Russias nonlinear warfare and its attacks on democratic institutions requires a whole-of-government approach that mobilizes all resources across the spectrum of US national power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177204
Entities
People
- Christopher S Sweltzer
Organizations
- Marine Corps University