IF WAR COMES TOMORROW: THE CONTOURS OF FUTURE ARMED CONFLICT

Abstract

The concept of future war and the controversial concept of a revolution in military affairs represent concepts and an evolving debate that could easily be perceived to be a pure American concept. The fact however is that Russian thinking on military theory and practice contains a strong line of thinking and concurrent ideas on this issue.

The Russians have traditionally held strong and original thoughts on military theory and practice of which the deep operations theory and their views on building their maritime power are but two examples. In this publication much of their future thinking is being articulated and expressed by general Gareev. As the author, his experiences and visions originate from a military career spanning more than fifty years. His views, theories and future perspectives are placed into context by Jacob Kipp who relates the future contours constructed by Gareev to national and international security before presentation of the original ideas of Gareev.

The first chapter is a thorough introduction by the editor into the world of Russian thinking and in particular that of general Gareev. In his efforts to familiarise the reader with the author, the issues as well as the concept of a revolution in military affairs and the Russian response, Kipp sets the stage for Gareev's more abstract thoughts on future war. As a publication translated from Russian on a topic not generally well known, this introductory chapter is of much value.