Asymmetrical Warfare: Today's Challenge to U.S. Military Power

by Roger W. Barnett, Stephen J. Cimbala

In this concise and penetrating study, Roger Barnett illuminates the effect of operational, organizational, legal, and moral constraints on the ability of the U.S. to use military force. As the tragic events of September 11 demonstrated, potential adversaries can take advantage of these limitations, thus spawning "asymmetrical warfare." Barnett defines asymmetrical warfare as not simply a case of pitting one's strength against another's weakness but rather of taking the calculated risk to exploit an adversary's inability or unwillingness to prevent, or defend against, certain actions. For instance, launching chemical, biological, or suicide attacks; taking indiscriminate actions against critical infrastructure; using hostages or human shields; deliberately destroying the environment; and targeting noncombatants all constitute possible asymmetrical warfare scenarios. Against these acts, the U.S. has not prepared any response in kind. Indeed it either cannot or will not undertake such responses, thus making these attacks especially difficult to counter. This refusal to retaliate in an "eye for an eye" fashion complicates the dilemma of American policymakers who seek to wield power and influence on the world stage while simultaneously projecting a peaceful and benign image. Barnett concludes that the U.S. must create a formal system of selectively eliminating the constraints that dictate our response to certain situations or scenarios. Failure to make such changes will only increase paralysis and, when the use of force is required, contribute to the already heightened risks.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[R.]

Very good introductory level book to an in depth class on the subject. When I first sensed the direction that the writer was going with his theory and his premise on the future of warfare and more specifically the state of affairs in the United States I didn't agree. However, by the end of the book I think that I've come around more or less. He does a great job of arguing his case and using hundreds of sources, facts, figures, historical examples, and quotes as supporting evidence.

The only real downside to this book is that it is a fairly complex subject and Barnett makes no effort to turn this into an "Idiot's Guide". There were at least a dozen or so times when I felt that I had to reread a page in order to grasp what he was saying fully. Then again, I was usually reading in a room with a hyperactive three year old climbing on me and throwing things, but if anyone else reads this and finds it a fascinating yet complex book, you are not alone.