Generations, Waves, and Epochs: Modes of Warfare and the RPMA
Abstract
The publication of the article written by Col. Owen E. Jensen, USAF, entitled "Information Warfare: Principles of Third-Wave War" in the Winter 1994 issue of Airpower Journal represents a significant event. Tofflerian concepts, which have gained so much credence with the Army, are now beginning to openly influence Air Force dialogue on information-based future war. In that article, Colonel Jensen states that "the Tofflers provide probably the clearest and most accurate explanation of how this new type of warfare evolved." Before the Air Force openly embraces the Tofflerian trinity of agrarian, industrial, and informational war forms, some well-informed reflection should first take place. This reflection requires an understanding of the three dominant theories of future war currently debated in the military journals -- fourth-generation warfare, third-wave war, and fourth-epoch war. Specifically, these modes of warfare and perspectives on the revolution in political and military affairs (RPMA) need to be analyzed because these assumptions provide the foundations behind each theory's projections of future warfare. Instances where the methodology behind such assumptions falls short should thus be a cause for concern because if a theory cannot accurately explain past modes of warfare and military revolutions, it will surely be unable to account for future ones. Only after such analysis is undertaken can Air Force officers decide what attributes of the Tofflerian framework, and potentially those of the competing frameworks, should be utilized in the creation of post-Clausewitzian principles of future warfare. This article provides an overview and synopsis of each competing theory, discusses its impact and shortcomings, and offers a limited conceptual comparison so that such informed decisions can begin to be independently made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA529522
Entities
People
- Robert J. Bunker
Organizations
- California State University, San Bernardino