Contemporary Security Challenges: Irregular Warfare and Indirect Approaches
Abstract
The JSOU Press presents this collection of writings from five current and former practitioners in the field of irregular warfare. The writers delve into the concept of "surrogate warfare," defined as a substitute force acting on behalf of the interests of another as well as its own interests. The first offering in this collection was contributed by Mr. Richard Newton, a JSOU faculty member and a retired air commando. Mr. Newton outlines the increased use and ramifications of indirect approaches, made essential by the post-World War II rise of the two superpowers, the United States and the former Soviet Union. He presents accounts of three 20th century uses of the through, with, or by concept (Philippines, El Salvador, and Afghanistan). Major Travis Homiak, U.S. Marine Corps, defines the ideas of working through, with, or by surrogate forces to achieve national security objectives. He offers three historical examples to illustrate the added value of indirect approaches, including the nonpromotion of "hegemonic intent." Major Kelly Smith, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, outlines several advantages to the use of surrogates, including decreased demand on U.S. forces, gaining political legitimacy, and providing capabilities that U.S. forces lack. Major Isaac Peltier, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, examines in detail two recent historical operations, illustrating success in leveraging surrogate forces. His position is Army Special Forces-centric and concludes that cultural/regional expertise, not familiarity, was the single most important factor in these successes. Mr. D. Jonathan White, a retired Special Forces officer, discusses many salient points of surrogate warfare, including the legitimacy of allied regimes, the commonality of interests between the United States and host nations, and the effects of human rights considerations on the legitimacy of the relationships involved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA495779
Entities
People
- D. J. White
- Isaac J. Peltier
- Kelly H. Smith
- Richard D. Newton
- Travis L. Homiak
Organizations
- Joint Special Operations University