Modern warfare and its evolving weapons – assumptions and inherent contradictions

The link between the world of 1906 and that of 2012 is diffuse and weak; it is more the product of chaos theory than a proverbial golden thread. So far in the 21st century the world has been shocked and surprised by dramatic international events. There is little convincing evidence that this tendency to be shocked and surprised will not continue into the indefinite future. In today's world, the military focuses predominantly on land based irregular warfare, even if attacks can also come from the air and sea. However, despite the continued threat these pose, international air and sea trade transport continues, and is even increasing. Change in the defense and security fields is bound to occur because, around the world, countries' military and criminal organizations always want to improve their capability to do what they want to do. Powerful countries should not count on being liked and admired. They are more likely to be opposed and annoyed asymmetrically. This article is about the contrasts between 21st century warfare and the forms we have previously witnessed. Highly developed societies will attempt to "engage the enemy more closely" from further away, the use of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) being the most prominent example.

Warfare ,

Weapons ,

Military ,

Insurgency ,

United-States ,

Change ,