Factoring in Culture: Center of Gravity and Asymmetric Conflict

Abstract

This essay addresses asymmetric conflict in its current manifestation, which has come to be called "jihadism." It accepts that the concept of "center of gravity" is applicable to such conflict, as has been argued by many study projects at the U.S. Army War College. These studies, however, do not extend to the resistance struggle in Iraq. Even in their treatment of al Qaeda, they disagree as to what constitutes its center of gravity and reflect questionable assumptions about Islamist militancy. Departing from the conventional systemic approach, the present study focuses on contrast of culture to tie together loose strings and add clarity to the dynamic of jihadism.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA523141

Entities

People

  • John W. Jandora

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • Gravity
  • Information Operations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Universities
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.