Skip to content

Discussion on Modern Combat in the 21st Century Cities

Discourse on Urban Warfare in the 21st Century in the MWI's Urban Warfare Project Podcast, where John Spencer converse with Dr. Anthony King, a Warwick University war studies professor and author of the book Urban Warfare in the Twenty-First Century. Dr. King delves into key themes from his...

Discussion Topic: Modern City Combat in the 21st Century
Discussion Topic: Modern City Combat in the 21st Century

Discussion on Modern Combat in the 21st Century Cities

In the latest episode of the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony King, a renowned scholar and professor of war studies at the University of Warwick, delves into the complexities of urban warfare in the 21st century.

Dr. King, author of "Urban Warfare in the Twenty-First Century," discusses the increasing likelihood of major wars being strategically and operationally focused on cities. He highlights the challenges posed by urban combat, particularly as global population urbanization leads to conflicts being concentrated in dense, complex city environments.

The podcast also explores the challenges of asymmetrical warfare, where state actors find themselves fighting non-state groups embedded within civilian populations. The discussion also touches upon the use of advanced technologies alongside traditional infantry tactics, adapted for urban terrain.

Moreover, the impact of urban warfare on civilian populations and infrastructure is a significant concern, raising ethical and humanitarian issues.

While this article does not have direct insights from Dr. King’s book, it is based on his extensive work in the field of urban warfare and security studies. His work often emphasizes the growing frequency of urban combat and the unique challenges it presents.

The episode can be found on popular podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favourite podcast app. It can also be printed and shared on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and via email.

It's worth noting that as cities become major strategic objectives, Western military forces will find it virtually impossible to avoid operating in urban areas. Despite shrinking in size compared to their twentieth-century predecessors, Western militaries will need to adapt their strategies to navigate the complexities of urban warfare.

This episode was originally published in 2021. If you are enjoying the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, please consider leaving a review or giving it a rating to support the show.

Read also:

Latest