Factoring in Culture: Center of Gravity and Asymmetric Conflict

摘要

This essay addresses asymmetric conflict in its current manifestation, which has come to be called 'jihadism.' It accepts that the concept of 'center of gravity' is applicable to such conflict, as has been argued by many study projects at the U.S. Army War College. These studies, however, do not extend to the resistance struggle in Iraq. Even in their treatment of al Qaeda, they disagree as to what constitutes its center of gravity and reflect questionable assumptions about Islamist militancy. Departing from the conventional systemic approach, the present study focuses on contrast of culture to tie together loose strings and add clarity to the dynamic of jihadism.