Genesis of limited war and emerging threat

Asif Haroon Raja

The process of evolution of warfare is never ending. From the limited wars of kings to both the world wars, the world has seen a variety of the forms of warfare. The possibility of a full fledged armed conflict has been dampened by the emerging trends in the complex global security environment. Limited war on the other hand is now becoming an important element of modern warfare. The term limited war was introduced in the 1960s. It refers to a wide range of politico-military activities less intense than conventional war. In the words of Lauren B. Thompson limited war is a limited venture that requires neither national mobilization nor an extensive commitment. Martin van Crevald in his famous book “The transformation of war” has said that limited war has rendered obsolete the large scale conventional war for which soldiers now train.

Limited war finds its mention in ancients Hindu scriptures like       Arthshastra where Chanakya Kautillya in 303 BC refers to it as TUNSIM YUDH, which is silent warfare, conducted in a quiet manner by spreading rumours and disaffection in the ranks of the enemy forces. However, modern day theory has its origins in the 17^th century. It was mainly based on experiences of Spanish wars of succession and later wars fought by Frederick the Great. During 17^th and 18^th centuries, Balkans were the main scenes of banditry.

During the era of Ming dynasties, insurgency was a regular feature in northern China. 19^th century was the century to Europe in which European based colonial powers reigned supreme. Seeds for limited war were planted in affected areas. We saw a glimpse of it closer to home in War of Independence in 1857. In early 19^th century (1808-1813), first major guerrilla bands appeared in Spain against the French. This movement introduced the term “guerrilla”. In mid 19^th century the link between insurgency and radical political movement was first established. In 1916, Lawrence of Arabia succeeded in initiating an Arab uprising against Turks. After World War 1, partisan insurgency in Siberia and Russia were witnessed. According to many observers, the modern day guerrilla warfare owes its origin to Mao Tse Tung. Since 1945, there have been over 160 armed conflicts around the world. Over 20 million people died world wide in these hostilities, nearly all of them belonging to the developing countries.

International environment and acquisition of nuclear deterrence by India and Pakistan have restricted freedom of action of both countries to wage all out conventional war. However, atmosphere of hostility between the two countries will continue to exist due to the outstanding issue of Kashmir. Post 9/11 scenario has added new and dangerous elements to the external and internal security environments of the country. Therefore, limited war is a threat that cannot be ignored and demands appropriate response and understanding of its political ramifications and military complexities. While limited war threat is comprehensively planned and executed, so must be the response.

Subversion, sabotage, terrorism, insurgency, counter insurgency, internal security, guerrilla war, and asymmetric warfare are other terminologies associated with limited war. India has not only based its Cold Start Doctrine on basis of limited war but is also actively engaged in above noted forms of warfare internally and externally particularly against Pakistan. In the face of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence, India is following the guidelines of Kautillya and the saying of Sun Tzu who said, “Conventional war should only be resorted to if enemy cannot be overthrown by activities of spies and agents sowing dissentions and nurturing subversion”.

Late John F. Kennedy had said, “Limited war is another type of war, new in its intensity, ancient in its origin. War by guerrillas, subversives, assassins, war by ambush instead of aggression, seeking victory by eroding and exhausting the enemy it preys on economic unrest and ethnic conflicts and these are the kinds of challenges that will be before us in the next decades. If freedom is to be saved, a whole new kind of strategy, a wholly different kind of military training will be needed”. Pakistan military and other South Asian states will have to evolve a new doctrine and different kind of training model to meet the emerging threat.