This article on “Asymmetric Warfare in the Afghanistan Conflict (2001-2021) Tactics used by insurgent groups impacted NATO and U.S. military strategies” is written by Dev Bansal, a student of Lovely Professional University.
The current security challenges are characterized by the presence of traditional and emerging radical security threats, constantly evolving geopolitics and technological factor. Modern issues that countries and nations are experiencing in the conduct of their security policies and in general security sectors are complex and need complex approaches to defense and strategy concepts. From great power rivalry to exports of weapons of mass destruction, the security dynamics are now uncertain and evolving This volume seeks to provide a detailed exploration of these key defence and strategic questions affecting the world.
Thus, based on the analysis of the changes in threats, geopolitical environment, and technologies in the sphere of security, this work aims at presenting a set of insights into the multifaceted challenges that policy-makers and security practitioners have to face.
Key areas of exploration will include
The changing nature of warfare
What is warfare and how have they developed: From conventional warfare to hybrid warfare and cyberspace warfare.
The Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
New threats to security consist of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction.
New technologies and their impact on security
Technological growth in advanced fields like AI, Robotics & biotechnology has transformed the battle field and asked new questions.
Geopolitical changes and their impact on security
The profiles of China and other emergent countries, the shift from traditional unipolarity and the alteration of the dynamics of the relations within regions are shifting the structures of global security. [1]
Non-traditional security threats
Phenomena like climate change, outbreaks and terrorism bring new problems that must be solved through new ideas by studying these significant fields, this work will discuss the defense and strategic problems of the world at this time. Knowledge produced in this endeavour may enrich policy agendas, enhance cooperation between nations and have a positive impact on stability and security around the world.
Case study
Russian-Ukrainian War (2022 to date)
The Russian-Ukrainian War began in February 2022 the all-out invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is the largest armed conflict in Europe since the end of the Cold War. The consequences of war are many, including humanitarian crisis, economic crisis and geopolitical changes.
The Cuban Crisis (1962)
The major conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union over the release of Soviet nuclear missile on Cuba. the meeting brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and sparked animosity between the two superpowers.
Gulf War (1990-1991)
A coalition of forces led by the United States invaded Iraq in response to the invasion of Kuwait. The war demonstrated the effectiveness of military alliances and the role of technology in modern warfare.
War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
A long war after the 9/11 attacks, aimed at eliminating al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan. The war highlighted the challenges of insurgency and the difficulties of building a country in volatile regions.
Israeli-Palestinian War
A protracted struggle for control of the Palestinian territories characterized by violence, negotiations and efforts to achieve a lasting peace. This conflict has significant implications for regional stability and international politics.
Rise of China
China’s rapid economic and military growth has shifted the balance of power in the world and created new challenges for other countries. This case study examines China’s policy, its role in international institutions, and its impact on global security.[1]
The Afghanistan conflict (2001-2021) serves as a stark example of asymmetric warfare, where insurgent groups like the Taliban exploited the disparities in military power between themselves and the NATO-led coalition. This analysis will delve into the key asymmetric warfare tactics employed by the Taliban and their significant impact on NATO and U.S. military strategies.
Examples could include the Gulf War (1990-1991), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), or analysis of Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaigns, Clausewitz’s theories on war , Sun Tzu’s Art of War , Nuclear Deterrence.
Background
Afghan war of 2001 to 2021 was a series war fought between the Taliban insurgents, the Afghan government, NATO led international forces and different militants. The war was initiated due to the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States by al-Qaeda an outlaw group from Afghanistan. The United States and majority of NATO partners initiated an invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 to remove the Taliban administration, and destroy the groups such as al-Qaeda.
The Taliban is an armed organization: it had controlled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and applied severe Islamic laws. They hosted al Qaeda and other related dreaded organizations. Some of it, after the so-called American-led invasion, fled from power, but they have long been waging an insurgency against the Afghanistan’s government and NATO troops.
The following years was very severe in central Afghanistan where the Taliban continued to fight Afghan government which in turn was backed by NATO forces. The Taliban ran a guerrilla warfare on NATO forces and the Afghan government through IED and suicide bombing. NATO forces failed to manage the insurgency, and the conflict was thus long drawn and tetrazine.
In February 2020, the United States and the Taliban inked the peace deal that also envisioned the US troop’s withdrawal and a decrease in violence. Nevertheless, they kept the pressure on Afghan security forces after signing the deal. In August 2021 sudden the Taliban began their massive operation and captured most of the cities and provinces in Afghanistan. The Afghan government vanished, and the Taliban group took over the capital city, Kabul.
This event showed the finality of the war with the United States in Afghanistan. Taliban set up a new government but it stabilised for several problems such as economically difficult, humanitarian crisis and conflict. The fate of Afghanistan is still unknown and the effectivity of the Taliban in managing the country still unknown.
Critical Thinking
The Taliban used asymmetric warfare strategies in Afghanistan, posing a severe danger to NATO and the United States military. The coalition forces found it difficult to achieve their objectives due to guerilla warfare, infiltration of government institutions, use of civilian shields, and propaganda. Despite deploying military force, diplomacy, and counterinsurgency operations, NATO and the United States were ultimately unable to eliminate the Taliban. The conflict ended with the Taliban’s victory in 2021, but its ramifications lingered around the world and in the region. (russia ukraine wae 2022).
Military Actions in the Cyber Security
Conclusion
The Afghanistan conflict highlights the importance of understanding local context, asymmetric warfare, and prioritizing civilian protection. The Taliban’s asymmetric tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks and improvised explosive devices, made it difficult for NATO and U.S. forces to achieve decisive victories. Civilian protection was crucial, as the Taliban’s use of human shields and targeting civilians undermined coalition legitimacy. Information warfare was essential in shaping public opinion and establishing a stable government. The conflict provides valuable lessons for future counterinsurgency operations, requiring tailored nation-building efforts.
[1] [2022–present]
[2] Milestones: 1961–1968
[3] Aug 1990 – 28 Feb 1991
[4] 7 Oct 2001 – 30 Aug 2021
[5] #2133.0 – July 2018
[6] 7 Oct 2001 – 30 Aug 2021