Beyond a Desert Revolt: TE Lawrence’s Theory of Proxy War and State Creation

Abstract

The work of TE Lawrence is traditionally included among theories of insurgency and irregular warfare. However, such a reading of Lawrence’s work disregards the political theory of state creation underpinning his strategic understanding of insurgency. This article comprises a historically driven analysis of Lawrence’s writing and action in order to discern his military theory and return the Arab Revolt to its context of proxy warfare. This article argues that Lawrence’s work is strategic and political as opposed to tactical. Rather than a simple theory of insurgency, Lawrence’s military theory is one of proxy war that envisions state creation as a strategic goal.