Defending Against Opposed Patterns of Resistant: Can Past Cultural Lessons in Armed Conflict Help U.S. Identify, Defend, Adapt, or Exploit Notions of Resistant With New Adversaries Like ISIS

Abstract

Abstract : Can the United States military effectively apply present and past knowledge in armed conflict to identify patterns of restraint with new adversaries like the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS)? Can the United States identify how these patterns might change after first contact and how might we defend them or exploit them without compromising our own notions? This research paper evaluates current events and identifies patterns of restraint in the United States and with ISIS. The research also incorporates historical case studies of Native American conflict in North America as well as contemporary case studies of regional insurgent or terrorist groups (i.e. Tamil Tigers and Chechen Separatists). This paper draws conclusions based on the case studies and provides recommendations on how the United States military should identify patterns prior to engagement in order to prepare for their effects, identity exploitable vulnerabilities, and protect friendly vulnerabilities.