Former CIA advisor Michael O'Hanlon draws a historical parallel: The US won independence in 1776 using asymmetric warfare against the British Empire. Two centuries later, the same tactics defeated American forces in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
O'Hanlon notes the US success in the Revolutionary War "foreshadowed the opposition" faced by great powers over the past century—from France in Algeria to Russia and the US in Afghanistan. Established militaries have repeatedly lost to insurgents using counter-punching, unconventional tactics.
250 years ago, America was the insurgent. Now it's often the target.
O'Hanlon notes the US success in the Revolutionary War "foreshadowed the opposition" faced by great powers over the past century—from France in Algeria to Russia and the US in Afghanistan. Established militaries have repeatedly lost to insurgents using counter-punching, unconventional tactics.
250 years ago, America was the insurgent. Now it's often the target.