Abstract

VILLALBA-GARCIA, Luisa Fernanda; CORONADO-CAMERO, Faiver  and  SIERRA-GUTIERREZ, William Alfredo. Unrestricted warfare, an ELN strategy in Colombia: new challenges of a persistent threat. Rev. Cient. Gen. José María Córdova [online]. 2022, vol.20, n.40, pp.778-797.  Epub Oct 01, 2022. ISSN 1900-6586.  https://doi.org/10.21830/19006586.1043.

Unrestricted war, defined as a war that exceeds limits, has been well-studied since its conceptual origin in 1999. However, in the West, it has been used mainly to analyze the balance of power strategies, ignoring its potential to study intra-state conflicts. This article analyzes how the organized armed group National Liberation Army (ELN) employs unrestricted warfare in Colombia. First, the concept of unrestricted warfare is developed. Then, the ELN is analyzed from its identity, ideology, and interaction with the setting. Finally, eight variables of unrestricted warfare are addressed, evaluating whether the ELN applies them. It is concluded that this group has changed its strategy towards omnidirectionality, and recommendations are made for the Colombian State in its fight against this threat.

Keywords : asymmetry; defense; military strategy; omnidirectionality; unrestricted warfare; terrorism.

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