Download This PaperWars of 21st Century and the Future of Operational Art and Design
Army Journal, 65th Issue, June 2019, ISSN 1019-1313
12 Pages Posted: 29 May 2020
Date Written: June 2, 2019
Abstract
In the midst of massive, rapid and all-encompassing global changes in 21st century, the environment of conflict, nature of warfighting and even the character of warriors are also transforming from sole conventional state-based mode to multiple modes of war. Traditional operational art and design with their origins in Western Europe appear to be too simplistic in comparison to twenty-first century conflicts. Operational art and design, and corresponding campaign planning tools, which are being taught in military courses in modern armies, do not accommodate few contemporary issues like the effect of nuclear deterrence, ubiquitous and unprecedented influence of Internet-based media platforms in war, the capability of non-state actors in waging wars and cyber as the fifth domain of warfare. It seems that conventional operational art and design are incompatible and less relevant in regard to the changing characteristics of future warfare. It necessitates a shift in our thinking about traditional operational art and design.
Keywords: Operational art, campaign planning tools, campaign planning, campaign, nuclear deterrence, non-state actors
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