Re-assessing the Nature of the Global War on Terrorism and the Application of the Center of Gravity Concept in the War

摘要

As history has shown, it is important to correctly identify the nature of a war in which one is engaged so that an appropriate strategy can be developed to win the war. As the United States enters the fourth year in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), it is important to examine three issues that are crucial for winning the war: first, a re-assessment of the GWOT as a war against global insurgency rather than a war against terrorism; second, an analysis of the concept of the center of gravity as it relates to the GWOT; and third, an examination of potential enemy and friendly centers of gravity and their impact on the conduct of the war. Through this examination of the GWOT, the author hopes to point out some possible shortcomings of current U.S. strategy and provide possible alternatives that could be followed to ensure victory in the shortest time and at the lowest possible cost.