| ID | 156613 |
| Title Proper | Escalation, emulation, and the failure of hybrid warfare in Afghanistan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Angstrom, Jan |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In this article, I argue that hybridization is a contingent result of the dynamics of some conflicts but not others. In particular, faced with opponents with great power, weaker powers seek a situation of asymmetry to gain victory. Drawing on within-case analysis of the conduct of war during the past thirty years in Afghanistan, I demonstrate that what we now consider to be “hybrid” represents an important continuity and strategic option in Afghan warfare. Still, the analysis also demonstrates that choosing “hybrid” has not been a strategy that has worked. Hezb-i-Islami's rather limited attempt for conventionalization of the war against the forces of Dostum and Massoud in 1992 failed and the Taliban's more far-reaching attempt for conventionalization has so far also failed to reap strategic success. This suggests that the threat of hybrid war is inflated. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 40, No.10-12; Oct-Dec 2017: p.838-856 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol: 40 No 10-12 |
| Key Words | Afghanistan ; Escalation ; Emulation ; Failure of Hybrid Warfare |