Introduction Modern warfare has continuously evolved, with technological advancements shaping its conduct. Critical technologies like cyberspace and artificial intelligence (AI) are making new warfighting tools available, even as traditional ones like nuclear weapons are witnessing a resurgence. These changes have brought greater lethality and destruction in warfighting and blurred the lines of conflict, with direct warfare being replaced by new forms such as hybrid warfare or grey zone tactics (where the threat has diffused, and proxy actors have taken the lead). Multiple analytical frameworks have examined this shift in warfare, studying its implications for tactics and strategies. For example, the ‘generations of warfare’ literature describes five generations of warfare. First-generation warfare involved person-to-person fighting, primarily dependent upon physical strength, skills, and numbers. Second-generation warfare, through firepower, resulted in combatants with asymmetrical force or strength levels being able to impose their will on traditionally more powerful adversaries. Third-generation warfare prioritised manoeuvres after infiltrating enemy lines. Fourth-generation warfare blurred boundaries between state and non-state actors and border regions and the hinterland, with terrorism or proxy warfare holding primacy. The decision-making process of the target’s leadership is targeted in this form of warfare. Fifth-generation warfare aims to control the adversary’s population by distorting their worldview and threat perceptions, even without knowledge of the target.
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