The symmetries of asymmetry: myths surrounding the notion of asymmetric war

Abstract

This paper will attempt to shatter some of the myths about asymmetric warfare. Recently, the term “asymmetric” has been used a great deal in defense literature. In many cases, it is as if “asymmetric warfare” represents a newer and cleverer way of fighting. However, the notion, or rather the presumption, that the belligerents in any war have been, or can ever be, symmetrical in the first place – and that symmetry is less clever or desirable than asymmetry, particularly when it comes to strategy – is baseless. Symmetry between or among opposing parties is actually rarer than asymmetry. Moreover, the larger strategic asymmetries, which are obviously more evident, are not necessarily the most important with respect to determining outcomes. The term does not, in fact, lend itself to a precise definition; its continued use is, thus, counterproductive.

Citation

Echevarria, A.J. (2009), "The symmetries of asymmetry: myths surrounding the notion of asymmetric war", Caforio, G. (Ed.) Advances in Military Sociology: Essays in Honor of Charles C. Moskos (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 12 Part 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 415-426. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2009)000012A026