China's army now characterizes warfare as a clash between opposing operational systems—not merely one between armies. That's according to a new RAND report. Thus, warfare no longer focuses on the annihilation of enemies on the battlefield. Rather, victory goes to the side that can disrupt, paralyze, or destroy the enemy's system. Read more »
By Jeffrey Engstrom, The National Interest: “As a result of extensive examination of these conflicts and others, the PLA now views modern conflict as a confrontation between opposing systems, or what are specifically referred to as opposing operational systems.”
Scott Boston, Dara Massicot
The Russian armed forces are not like the Soviet Army in size, depth, or global ideological aspirations. But Russia has demonstrated its military competence and operational flexibility in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, and Syria. Read more »
By Jonathan Marcus, BBC News: “China's modernization of its armed forces is proceeding faster than many analysts expected.”