Recently a young friend, Muhammed Khan from Karachi, dropped in for a visit. In the course of our conversation, he inquired if I had read the book ‘Unrestricted Warfare’ by Qiao Liang and Wang Xiansui. Khan seemed amazed that I had not and promised to send me a soft copy of the book, and promptly did. Frankly, I was surprised at his amazement of my ignorance. But, as soon as I began reading the book, I realized why. It is indeed a must read for all those who, like me, pretend to be students of warfare.
The book initially reads as somewhat like a scary science-fiction book warning of the possibility that technology might enslave or harm humankind one day. As it progresses, however, it becomes obvious that the authors have far more to say.
This article is not intended as a review of the book. Instead, I intend to share what I have learnt from the book in the hope of encouraging others to study what it says, so as students of warfare, we can benefit from its message.
Trade wars are ages old. The first recent example were the Opium Wars waged by England against China. We are also familiar with the economic wars the US is waging against countries in South-East Asia to destroy some of the ‘Tigers’. But there are also information wars, no longer mere ‘perception management’ but wars in which superior technological use of information, and disinformation, management can win wars without shedding blood.
There are also individual hackers who can bring a nation’s war-waging capacity to its knees. Numerous examples of this exist, but American claims that Russia manipulated its most recent presidential race is a prime one.
I wish to dwell here on three aspects that I have learnt. First is the truism that modern warfare is no longer confined to the battlefield. Instead, every aspect of life has become an avenue for warfare.
The Pakistani military must study information, technological, and economic warfare. Moreover what we desperately need is a free-thinking think tank for the military that studies modern wars and how they could be waged in the future
Second, technology dictates the modification of tactics and concepts, but not necessarily strategy. The authors of the book argue that the US’s inability to win wars is its total dependence on technology. The authors also add the point that when technology drives tactics and concepts, wars have to be fought within the limits laid down by technological developments.
Conversely, and I believe this should be the primary concern for less developed countries like Pakistan, if a comprehensive concept for future war-waging, including desirable tactics was drawn up first, technology would then be enslaved and harnessed to produce weapons that suit those particular concept and tactics.
Third, the authors point out the limitations of technology dependence against a foe that acts unpredictably. In my earlier essays, I too highlighted the reasons why the Pakistani army, after adjusting to terrorist tactics and identifying the deep nexus between corruption and terrorism, has been so much more successful than the far better equipped, trained, and supported American army.
Wars, however abhorrent they might be, deserve to be fought economically. Here economical implies the least loss to all involved parties.
Therefore, I have always held that militaries should consist of and, be led by, the highest intellect that nations can muster.
Modern warfare is, and will continue, changing. Humankind and technology will find new ways to wage and win. Not only is the US’s power status at the global level being challenged, even its technological superiority in waging wars is under scrutiny now.
Like other militaries, the Pakistani military must also study information, technological, and economic warfare, and even how our financial position impacts national security. What we desperately need is a free-thinking think tank for the military that studies modern wars and how they could be waged in the future.
But then, Liddelhart did say, “The only thing more difficult than bringing a new idea to the military mind; is to take an old one out”.
The writer is a retired brigadier. He is also former vice president and founder of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
Published in Daily Times, May 6th 2018.