TEMPE, Ariz. — The term "Irregular Warfare" may sound like it's out of a spy thriller, but it's a real trend that's emerging the all over the world, and Arizona just became a national leader in the field.
Arizona State University was selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) to lead research support efforts for the DoD's Irregular Warfare Center (IWC).
Irregular warfare refers to a "broad spectrum of missions and activities that are often indirect and non-attributable," according to the university. It represents a change in the way nations wage war that goes beyond battlefield tactics.
"Irregular Warfare takes into account all the instruments available to governments to shape the world’s balance of power," said ASU executive vice president and chief operating officer Chris Howard. "This new activity takes to heart the adage ‘war is too important for just soldiers’ and will bring to bear cutting edge research forged by experts across multiple disciplines."
ASU will be leading a national consortium of of researchers, scientists, legal experts and historians from around the country to better assess and improve the United States' approach to unconventional warfare.
"Arizona State University has been disciplined about developing expertise in this area and we are committed to being of service at the highest level for this important national security assignment," said ASU President Michael Crow. "Being selected to lead this work is a responsibility that we take very seriously and we are grateful to the entire Arizona Congressional delegation for its support and confidence in us, and particularly for the leadership of Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly."
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