The Logic of Irregular War

The five well-informed contributors to this slender volume bring varied backgrounds to asymmetric warfare. They have filled a variety of government, academic, and think-tank positions. Berman’s historical introduction underscores the global nature of such wars. Irregular war “is as old as conflict itself.” However, it “came of age” only at the end of the Cold War. Contemporary weaponry has made asymmetric wars far more lethal. The four countries examined in detail adopt differing approaches. China’s strategy involves “adaptation of traditional means of operational confrontation.” Basic strategy dates to Sun Tzu around 500 BCE. Major updates have come in political work, cyber-warfare, and other electronic advances. Russian leaders stress a “persistent siege mentality.” Information warfare, covert and overt military involvement in “near abroad” states, and electronic-pulse magnetism constitute major initiatives. Iran’s strategy revolves around Persian Gulf security, defense needs, and oil revenues. The need for self-sufficiency because of war with Iraq and sanctions have bolstered stress on cyber-warfare and nuclear capability. Finally, North Korea (the DPRK) remains “locked in a zero-sum rivalry” with South Korea. Success in developing missile-based nuclear weapons reflects the DPRK’s subordination of civilian priorities. All in all, a sobering, informative book. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty * CHOICE *