5GW Theory Timeline

[Online version of the article can be found @  http://smallwarsjournal.com/documents/swjmag/v3/cole.htm (Accessed 14 January 2011)]

Myke Cole first suggests that science fiction literature may in general provide insights into developing or future trends and then utilizes Alan Moore’s “V for Vendetta” to explore potential 4GW and 5GW dynamics.  Although most of the article focuses on 4GW, Cole contemplates a future 5GW anti-state movement; excerpt:

“V for Vendetta” warns that perhaps it is not a change of tactics, but of the scope of the enemy objective that defines the fifth generation war evolving around us. It suggests a generation of enemies dedicated to the ultimate destruction of the state in totality, not just as means for seizing power in Iraq or driving US forces from Afghanistan, but for inaugurating a new world order where the cohesive, central power of the state fails in the face of an enemy it cannot define, cordon off and defeat on its own terms, until its citizenry loses patience and withdraws its collective allegiance.

This description of 5GW does not substantially differ from Cole’s description of 4GW for most of the article, except in scale.  Cole draws a picture of 4GW fighters who are members of gangs or insurgencies fighting against a specific state, but supposes a 5GW movement that would remove all states globally, “inaugurating a new world order” that is state-less.

Filed in Article (electronic)