Waging Modern War

The Mark Radio ep.19: Are the old rules of war still relevant when the nature of combat has changed so much?

War has changed.

Most conflicts aren't between clashing nations anymore, but are fought against groups of "irregulars" like the Taliban in Afghanistan or Iraqi insurgents. The West's adversaries are decentralized, amorphous, and evolving. They have home-battlefield advantage, often in urban areas where citizen casualties can rise quickly. They don't abide by the established rules of war, targeting journalists and executing prisoners. They wage psychological warfare and wield the Western media as a weapon.

So how can the West defeat this new kind of enemy? When killing one insurgent inspires two more to take their place? Or is war an outdated model of solving problems?

In this episode of the Mark Radio, host Chris Mitchell speaks with four experts on the changing nature of war.

Journalist Mercedes Stephenson, on how the Taliban uses the Western media to undermine public perception of the war in Afghanistan.

Barbara Falk, professor at the Canadian Forces College, on the blurring of military and law enforcement, and why the Geneva Conventions need updating.

Donald Savoie, Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance, on why the military is one of the last powerful institutions in Canada.

And finally, Daryl Copeland, adjunct professor at the Munk Centre, on why war is no longer an effective tool for solving disputes.

(Run-time: 29 minutes.)

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