| ID | 080086 |
| Title Proper | Africa seeing fourth generation warfare, or is the model flawed |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Jackson, Paul |
| Publication | 2007. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Fourth Generation Warfare is a theory of contemporary warfare that posits a number of different ideas that are able to shed light on current conflicts. Whilst much of the debate has been concentrated on the linear development of warfare and also on analysis of the current situation of US forces in Iraq, it has resonance for a number of different conflicts taking place in Africa, if only because the US has become involved in contemporary conflicts in Somalia and the Mahgreb. There are clearly significant issues with the US-centric, flawed linear approach to history, but the actual analysis of modes of warfare has much to offer policymakers in a continent that is under-represented in the literature, and is also in danger of being forgotten in the shadow of analysis of Iraq. This paper moves on from criticising the stepped approach to history and looks at patterns of warfare in contemporary Africa, arguing that there is much in the theory that could be used to explain seemingly illogical tactics or patterns, and thus has much to tell policymakers engaged in conflict analysis |
| `In' analytical Note | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol. 18, No.2; Jun 2007: p145-160 |
| Journal Source | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol. 18, No.2; Jun 2007: p145-160 |
| Key Words | Fourth Generation Warfare ; Africa ; Conflict ; Iraq War |