The Evolving Concepts of War and Warfare: Generational Paradigms and Iran-US (Israel) Wars
Abstract
This study analyzes the conceptual evolution of generational warfare (1GW–5GW) and tests its operational limits in direct state-on-state confrontations. Employing a four-dimensional generational analytical framework and a qualitative case study method, this research evaluates the US–Israeli operations (Operation Rising Lion) against Iran and Iran's asymmetric response (Operation True Promise). The findings demonstrate that while 5GW and postmodern strategies successfully achieve leadership decapitation and cognitive perception manipulation, they fail to force absolute political surrender. Conversely, Iran's massive ballistic missile counter-strikes demonstrate the enduring power of kinetic deterrence in neutralizing non-kinetic dominance. The study concludes that a "paradigm convergence" has occurred, wherein high-level non-kinetic coercion and asymmetric kinetic firepower mutually limit each other. These findings redefine the dynamics of modern warfare between sovereign states
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