Dirty Fighting: How to Counter Total Warfare Mentality

Abstract

The ability to fight dirty without losing support is a powerful advantage conferred by total war mentality. This study analyzes dirty fighting and proposes a theory of how it can change. Related themes are identified which have traditionally hindered the analysis of dirty fighting. Using case studies from conflicts in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Sri Lanka this study will assess how dirty fighting can be defeated. What emerges is that the application of compromise and containment weaken the ability to fight dirty. However, the utility of forceful methods is also prominent. It is intended that this novel approach will inform and assist the analysis of, future conflicts where dirty fighting may well occur.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 12, 2015
Accession Number
ADA623966

Entities

People

  • Craig D. Wilson

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Case Studies
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Man Borne Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Sri Lanka
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • Urban Areas
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.