On War: Lessons to be Learned

Since 1991, thinking about defence has been based on a fantastical theory about the character of future war rather than a clear vision of emerging threats to national and international security. A thorough study of contemporary conflict in historical perspective is needed to correct flawed thinking about the character of conflict, help define future challenges to international security, and build military and civilian governmental capabilities to meet those challenges. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and southern Lebanon reveal that military campaigns must be subordinate to a larger strategy that integrates political, military, diplomatic, economic and strategic communication efforts. Military forces must abandon the illusion that technology can solve the problem of future conflict. Leaders should also abandon the belief that wars can be waged efficiently with a minimalist approach to the commitment of forces and other resources.