asymmetrical warfare
Unequal force conflict
Asymmetrical warfare is conflict between opponents of vastly unequal military strength, where the weaker side uses unconventional tactics—guerrilla attacks, terrorism, improvisation—to offset the advantage of a conventional force.
The term became prominent after the September 11 attacks: Asymmetrical warfare presents challenges that traditional armies aren't designed to meet.
Also asymmetric warfare.
Irregular armed fighter
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- partisansStaunch factional supporters
underground · militia · cells · irregulars · insurgents · freedom fighters · combatants · revolution
Presumed loser beforehand
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- nonconventionalDeparting from accepted norms
- irregularDeviating from normal patterns
- David and GoliathArchetypal unequal contest
outmatched · improvised · adaptability · resourcefulness · low-cost · force multiplier · attrition · resilience
Surprise strike from concealment
- hit-and-runLeaving after causing collision
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- IEDMakeshift explosive weapon
- snipingShooting from hiding
raid · skirmish · deception · stealth · subterfuge · cyberwarfare · drone strikes · booby traps
Substitutes for others
- patronRegular supporter or customer
- puppet stateNominally sovereign, actually controlled
- superpowersCapabilities beyond human limits
- hegemonyDominant group's control
indirect · intervention · covert · espionage · sanctions · interference · influence · funding
guerrilla
Irregular armed fighter
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
partisans · underground · militia · cells · irregulars · insurgents · freedom fighters · combatants · revolution · paramilitary
underdog
Presumed loser beforehand
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- nonconventionalDeparting from accepted norms
- irregularDeviating from normal patterns
David and Goliath · outmatched · improvised · adaptability · resourcefulness · low-cost · force multiplier · attrition · resilience · decentralization
ambush
Surprise strike from concealment
- hit-and-runLeaving after causing collision
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- IEDMakeshift explosive weapon
sniping · raid · skirmish · deception · stealth · subterfuge · cyberwarfare · drone strikes · booby traps · tunnel networks
surrogates
Substitutes for others
- patronRegular supporter or customer
- puppet stateNominally sovereign, actually controlled
- superpowersCapabilities beyond human limits
hegemony · indirect · intervention · covert · espionage · sanctions · interference · influence · funding · advisors
asymmetrical warfareconventional warfare
Armed conflict using standard military forces
asymmetric, asymmetry, symmetric, symmetrical, symmetrically, symmetry, meter, metric, metrical