The New Rules of War by Sean McFate

Summary

“The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder” by Sean McFate offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century. McFate, a former soldier and private military contractor, provides an insider’s perspective on how conventional warfare is being replaced by a new form of warfare characterized by durable disorder.

The book challenges traditional military paradigms by highlighting the rise of non-state actors and the blurring of the lines between war and peace. McFate argues that these new players, such as private military contractors, mercenaries, hackers, and profit-seeking corporations, have reshaped the nature of conflict. He illustrates his points through engaging real-life examples and case studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the changing landscape of warfare.

McFate argues that the old rules of warfare, including clear battlefields, conventional tactics, and state-on-state conflicts, are becoming obsolete. Instead, he proposes a set of new rules to navigate this era of durable disorder. These rules include embracing ambiguity, leveraging technology, promoting non-lethal operations, and understanding the importance of narratives and perceptions in shaping conflict outcomes.

“The New Rules of War” is a thought-provoking and timely book that challenges conventional wisdom about warfare in the 21st century. McFate’s firsthand experiences and extensive research bring credibility to his arguments, making this book an invaluable resource for military strategists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the changing face of war in our increasingly complex world.

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Book Review

In “The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder,” Sean McFate provides a compelling analysis of the evolving nature of warfare in the modern world. Drawing on his experience as a former soldier and private military contractor, McFate challenges conventional wisdom on warfare by introducing the concept of durable disorder. Through a series of real-life examples and case studies, he explores the rise of non-state actors, blurred lines between war and peace, and the new set of rules necessary to navigate this complex landscape.

McFate begins by highlighting the shift from conventional state-on-state warfare to conflicts characterized by durable disorder. He argues that traditional rules of war, such as the distinction between civilian and combatant, and conventional battlefield tactics, no longer hold true in this new era. Instead, he identifies a growing number of non-state actors, such as private military contractors and mercenaries, who play major roles in contemporary conflicts. McFate’s experiences as a private military contractor in Liberia and other conflict zones provide valuable insights into the nature of this changing warfare paradigm.

To illustrate his arguments, McFate presents various case studies. One notable example is the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia’s use of hybrid warfare techniques, combining conventional military forces with cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, created durable disorder. McFate emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology as a new rule in this age of warfare, as non-state actors can exploit digital platforms for strategic purposes. He further explores the role of mercenaries in modern conflicts, examining the challenges they pose to traditional notions of warfare and the impact they can have on the outcome of conflicts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of McFate’s book is his exploration of non-lethal operations as a vital component of warfare in the age of durable disorder. He argues that strategic non-lethal actions, such as economic subversion or cyber warfare, can be more effective in achieving desired outcomes than conventional military force. These non-lethal operations are less likely to incur international backlash and provide greater flexibility to achieve objectives. McFate supports this argument with examples, such as the use of economic sanctions and covert operations against drug cartels.

McFate also emphasizes the importance of controlling the narrative and shaping perceptions in achieving victory in this new form of warfare. He discusses the critical role of information warfare, propaganda, and public relations in influencing not only the enemy but also domestic and international audiences. McFate provides notable examples, including the Islamic State’s skillful use of social media to recruit fighters and gain global attention.

“The New Rules of War” offers a comprehensive understanding of the changing landscape of warfare, backed by compelling evidence and insights. McFate’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts and theories easily digestible for both military experts and general readers interested in the topic. His unique perspective as both a soldier and a private military contractor adds credibility to his arguments and enhances the overall value of the book.

There are, however, a few shortcomings in McFate’s work. While he effectively challenges conventional notions of warfare in the age of durable disorder, he sometimes lacks practical solutions and recommendations for policymakers and military strategists. Additionally, some readers may find the book’s focus on the role of non-state actors and private military contractors overshadows other factors in this new era of warfare, such as the importance of cyber warfare and disinformation campaigns.

In conclusion, “The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder” offers an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the changing nature of warfare. McFate’s firsthand experiences, coupled with his extensive research, make this book a valuable resource for understanding the complex challenges faced by modern militaries and policymakers. While it may not provide definitive answers to all the questions it raises, this thought-provoking work encourages readers to critically assess traditional theories of warfare and adapt to the realities of durable disorder.

Word Count: 698

Key Ideas

In “The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder,” Sean McFate puts forth several key ideas that challenge traditional notions of warfare. Here are the main concepts explored in the book:

1. Durable Disorder McFate introduces the concept of durable disorder as a new era of warfare, characterized by the rise of non-state actors, blurred lines between war and peace, and a shift from conventional state-on-state conflicts. He argues that traditional rules of war are becoming obsolete, and a new set of rules is required to navigate this complex landscape.

2. Non-State Actors The book emphasizes the growing influence of non-state actors, such as private military contractors, mercenaries, and hackers, in contemporary conflicts. McFate illustrates how these actors have reshaped the nature of warfare by their involvement in operations that were once the sole domain of national militaries. Their independent actions contribute to the durable disorder that defines this new era.

3. Technology and Information Warfare McFate explores the role of technology, specifically in the form of cyber warfare, as a crucial aspect of modern conflict. He highlights how non-state actors can exploit digital platforms to engage in strategic operations, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, blurring the distinction between traditional and non-traditional warfare. McFate also emphasizes the importance of controlling the narrative and shaping perceptions through information warfare.

4. Non-Lethal Operations The author argues that non-lethal operations, such as economic subversion and cyber warfare, can be more effective in achieving objectives than conventional military force. Non-lethal options offer greater flexibility and are less likely to trigger international backlash. McFate provides examples of covert operations, economic sanctions, and special operations against drug cartels to support this argument.

5. Narrative and Perception McFate highlights the significance of narrative and perception in determining the outcome of conflicts. He explains how information warfare, propaganda, and public relations play a critical role in influencing not only the enemy but also domestic and international audiences. The ability to shape perceptions and control the narrative is seen as a powerful tool in achieving victory in this new age of warfare.

Ultimately, the central idea behind “The New Rules of War” is that the traditional principles of warfare no longer fully apply in the age of durable disorder. McFate encourages readers to reevaluate and adapt their understanding of conflict, taking into account the changing dynamics and the emergence of non-state actors, technology, non-lethal options, and the importance of narrative and perception.

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Target Audience

“The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder” by Sean McFate is targeted at a diverse audience interested in understanding the evolving nature of modern warfare. The book is recommended reading for the following audiences:

• Military Strategists and Policymakers McFate’s insights into the changing landscape of warfare make this book essential reading for military strategists and policymakers. The book challenges traditional military paradigms and offers alternative perspectives on how to navigate durable disorder, providing valuable lessons for those involved in shaping military strategy and policy.

• Security and Defense Professionals The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the rise of non-state actors and unconventional forms of warfare. Security and defense professionals will benefit from the author’s firsthand experiences and case studies, gaining insights into the complexities of modern conflict and the emerging threats that need to be addressed.

• Technology and Cybersecurity Experts As technology and cyber warfare play an increasingly prominent role in modern conflict, experts in these fields will find “The New Rules of War” to be highly relevant. McFate’s exploration of the strategic use of technology and the vulnerabilities it exposes offers valuable insights for technology and cybersecurity professionals seeking to understand the interplay between technology and warfare.

• General Readers with an Interest in Global Affairs The book’s engaging writing style, real-life examples, and thought-provoking analysis make it accessible to general readers with an interest in global affairs and the changing dynamics of the world. The narrative-driven approach helps readers grasp the nuances of durable disorder and its impact on geopolitical relationships.

• Students and Academics Students studying international relations, conflict studies, or security studies will find “The New Rules of War” to be a valuable resource. The book explores contemporary issues and challenges prevalent in the field of security studies, encouraging critical thinking and providing a foundation for further academic research and study.

In conclusion, “The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder” is recommended reading for a wide range of audiences. Whether one is interested in military strategy, global affairs, technology, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the changing nature of warfare, Sean McFate’s insights and real-life examples provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. The book challenges conventional notions of warfare and offers a fresh perspective, making it a valuable resource for various professionals, scholars, and general readers alike.