Rubic's Cube: A Conceptual Approach to the Dimensions of Warfare
Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to propose a framework for analysis that can be used to better understand the dimensions of modern warfare and the interrelationships that exist within those dimensions that influence war's outcome. Making good strategic, operational, and tactical decisions in a peacetime environment that will meet the nation's wartime requirements is, at best, a long and difficult process. The shear number of ideas, concepts, opinions, and differing points of view to be considered can be overwhelming if one does not have a useful framework for organizing and then examining the key factors, events, and interrelationships that characterize modern war. Since planning inherently involves prediction of the future, there can be considerable uncertainty and intense disagreement over choices and potential outcomes. While recognizing the difficulties, not to mention vagaries of that decision making process, the framework proposed below represents a compromise between the complexities or reality and a need for simplicity. Using the multidimensional nature of a Rubic's Cube as a model, the intent is to provide a tool for understanding warfare as a concept. The Cube provides an approach to organizing one's thinking. Taken in that light, it can be used as the following: (1) an aid in evaluating current national and military strategy, (2) a starting point for developing alternative strategies, and (3) a methodology for analyzing and validating the lessons learned from previous conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA436612
Entities
People
- Keith L. Skidmore
Organizations
- National War College