asymmetric threat

Intermediate 🎖️ Military / Defense

Definition

An adversary employing unconventional tactics or strategies to counter a conventional military advantage. When the other side didn't get the memo about fighting fair.

Example Usage

IED networks represent the primary asymmetric threat in this theater of operations.

Origin

Late 20th century military doctrine, popularized during post-9/11 counterinsurgency operations

Fun Fact

The ultimate asymmetric threat was probably the Trojan Horse, proving that ancient Greeks invented modern insurgency tactics.

Source: Modern counterinsurgency and threat analysis

Related Terms

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