Asymmetries, Anthropology, and War
Loading...
Authors
Simons, Anna
Subjects
Asymmetrical Warfare
Counter-Insurgency
Laws of War
Military Psychology
Counter-Insurgency
Laws of War
Military Psychology
Advisors
Date of Issue
2011-10
Date
2011-10
Publisher
Language
Abstract
Policy makers continue to want to believe that with just a bit more effort, and greater cross-cultural understanding,
their militaries can somehow shape better than they can smash. Many of those who eschew the use of force
also believe that disciplines like anthropology really can deliver bloodless solutions. But, at best, this is wishful
thinking. As terrible as it may seem to advocate a more honest consideration of force, in actuality nothing is
likelier to stand Western militaries in better stead. Ironically, too, nothing less than the proven willingness to
use overwhelming force will protect what finesse requires: respect—if not mutual, then at least grudging respect.
Type
Article
Description
Pointer (Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces), 37 (2), October 2011.
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Simons, Anna, “Asymmetries, Anthropology, and War,” Pointer (Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces), 37 (2), October 2011.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.