STRATEGYMonths to result

Protracted War Strategy

Wearing down the enemy

Problem it solves

advanced imperialist states

Best for

Underdeveloped countries facing advanced imperialist states

Not ideal for

Countries with limited technological capabilities and no access to advanced weaponry

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Protracted War Strategy involves a long-term war of attrition, where the underdeveloped country uses its limited resources to exhaust the more advanced enemy. This strategy requires a deep-rooted and radical doctrine, a people ready to bear all stipulations, and a leadership that acts on behalf of the masses. The goal is to upset the balance of power and eventually defeat the enemy.

Core principles

5 total
  1. The enemy's strength is also their weakness.
  2. A long-term war of attrition can be won by the underdeveloped country.
  3. The masses must be fully behind the leadership and the war effort.
  4. The leadership must be prepared to make sacrifices and take risks.
  5. The enemy's technological superiority can be countered by the underdeveloped country's ability to adapt and innovate.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Mobilize the masses
    The masses must be fully behind the leadership and the war effort. This requires a deep-rooted and radical doctrine that makes the people believe in the cause.
    Pro tipUse propaganda and education to mobilize the masses.
    WarningIf the masses are not fully behind the war effort, the strategy will fail.
  2. Create a people's army
    A people's army is necessary to wage a protracted war. This army must be made up of volunteers who are willing to make sacrifices and take risks.
    Pro tipUse guerrilla warfare tactics to harass and demoralize the enemy.
    WarningIf the army is not well-trained and well-equipped, it will be defeated.
  3. Use guerrilla warfare tactics
    Guerrilla warfare tactics can be used to harass and demoralize the enemy. This includes ambushes, sabotage, and raids.
    Pro tipUse the terrain to your advantage.
    WarningIf the guerrilla warfare tactics are not well-planned and well-executed, they will fail.
  4. Exhaust the enemy
    The goal of the protracted war strategy is to exhaust the enemy. This can be done by making the enemy overextend themselves and eventually exhaust their resources.
    Pro tipUse the enemy's strength against them.
    WarningIf the enemy is not exhausted, the strategy will fail.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The Viet Cong

The Viet Cong used the protracted war strategy to defeat the United States during the Vietnam War.

OutcomeThe Viet Cong emerged victorious.
The Cuban Revolution

The Cuban Revolution used the protracted war strategy to defeat the Batista regime.

OutcomeThe Cuban Revolution emerged victorious.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Underestimating the enemy
The enemy's technological superiority and military strength must not be underestimated.
Lack of mobilization
The masses must be fully behind the leadership and the war effort.
Poor planning and execution
The guerrilla warfare tactics and the protracted war strategy must be well-planned and well-executed.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

This strategy has been used by underdeveloped countries throughout history, including the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The idea is to use the enemy's strength against them, by making them overextend themselves and eventually exhaust their resources.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Military strategy of the P F L P - Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (P F L P )
Unknown · 1970
Open source →

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