Networks, netwars and the fight for the future

Abstract

Netwar is an emerging mode of conflict in which the protagonists-ranging from terrorist and criminal organizations on the dark side, to militant social activists on the bright side-use network forms of organization, doctrine, strategy, and technology attuned to the information age. The practice of netwar is well ahead of theory, as both civil and uncivil society actors are increasingly engaging in this new way of fighting. We suggest how the theory of netwar may be improved by drawing on academic perspectives on networks, especially those about organizational network analysis. As for practice, strategists and policymakers in Washington and elsewhere have begun to discern the dark side of the network phenomenon-especially in the wake of the "attack on America" perpetrated apparently by Osama bin Laden's terror network. But they still have much work to do to begin harnessing the bright side, by formulating strategies that will enable state and civil-society actors to work together better. This paper is largely drawn (with updates added

The Control of Public Networks

“…are important aspects in the coordination of the network. When it comes to control, however, it seems that at least prior to attempts to destroy Al Qaeda following the 9=11 attacks, the network was characterized by personal, centralized control by Osama Bin Laden and perhaps a small group of his top lieutenants (Ronfeldt and Arquilla 2001). Virtual organizations, like Nike, can also be included as an example.…”

“…Rather, it is centrally controlled; more specifically, through personal centralized control. To state that ''it takes a network to fight a network'' 4 (Ronfeldt and Arquilla 2001) might seem, at first glance, obvious. However, this logic assumes a one-to-one correspondence between the method of control and the coordination form.…”

Positioning Theory and Terrorist Networks

“…The term network also refers to a social and or an organizational construct or some hybrid of both (Ronfeldt & Arquilla, 2001). Terrorist networks are first of all social in that they privilege relations among individuals over the attributes of individuals.…”

The social worlds of the Web

“…The Web offers an important technological means of supporting such campaigns, although not the only means. Often there is no central command and the identities and loyalties of activists may cross regional boundaries, shifting from the nation state to the transnational level of "global civil society') (Ronfeldt & Arquilla, 2001, p. 4; see also Rheingold, 2003).…”