Introduction

Generational Shifts in Warfare: The Emergence of Non-Strategic Forces in Pakistan

“…War always changes (Lind & Thiele, 2015) and is a dynamic phenomenon (Johnson et al, 2021). The effects of war, throughout the human history, have been so intense that leaving it out is equated to ignoring one of the great forces of contemporary dispensation (MacMillan, 2020).…”

“…It is more or less the atrophy the aggressive posture of nation-state with war no more the purview of nation state (Abbott, 2010). In the context of 21 st century, the grammar of war is kinetic, connected and synthetic (Johnson et al, 2021). War in the form of 5 th generation war is the ability to shape the perceptions of a target audience and it delivers more than the kinetic energy and determines the ultimate victory in war (Abbott, 2010).…”

“…Thanks to nuclear weapons which was averted between India and Pakistan as per the notion maintained by Peter the Great, peace is made to serve war and war to serve peace (Gerard, 1994). The strategic underperformance (Johnson et al, 2021) of both the states against each other in different wars has resulted into a virtual war which has been manifested both internally as well as on global level against each other . This resort to a digital and virtual warfare has been softer in nature but harder in terms of strategic goals and objectives with destroying the moral courage of the enemies than destroying the physical courage (Stephens & Baker, 2006).…”

“…Social media dynamics have profound effects in determining the audience, attracted to crisis and their perceptions of time, space and involvement (Johnson et al, 2021). The emergence of social media in contemporary era has ushered a new epoch and domain of warfare and conflicts (Nawaz et al, 2023).…”

“…"Strategic narrative building and so-named 'Virtual War' with relying more on the use of virtual sources and internet and capitalizing social media a lot have now turned into a noticeable significant war fronts" (Johnson et al, 2021). The spread of social media and digital platforms across the globe for better connectivity has fetched remarkable variations to the complexion and outlook of society, particularly in the Third World.…”