Part III - Soft War
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2014
Summary
Soft War
Soft war describes the use of non-kinetic weapons to achieve the legitimate aims of war. Non-kinetic weapons are any that do not explode or hurl projectiles. Non-kinetic weapons are cybernetic and driven by malicious viruses, economic and driven by sanctions and blockades, or nonviolent and driven by moral shame. Each of these weapons is characterized by force. Soft war also embraces public diplomacy and “soft power.” Soft power does not work by force at all but, instead, invites support through persuasion, high ideals and public works. In this way, soft war is much broader concept than soft power and includes all non-kinetic means whether persuasive or coercive. In practice, soft war is generally less destructive but no less effective than bombs and bullets.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Ethics of InsurgencyA Critical Guide to Just Guerrilla Warfare, pp. 151 - 152Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2015