Introduction An offset is some means of asymmetrically compensating for a disadvantage, particularly in a military competition (refer to Military Strategy). Rather than match an opponent in an unfavourable competition, changing the competition to more favourable footing enables the application of strengths to a problem that is otherwise either unwinnable or winnable only at unacceptable… Read More
Introduction A military artificial intelligence arms race is an arms race between two or more states to develop and deploy lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). Since the mid-2010s, many analysts have noted the emergence of such an arms race between global superpowers for better military AI, driven by increasing geopolitical and military tensions. An AI… Read More
Introduction The United States (US) Navy reclassified many of its surface vessels in 1975, changing terminology and hull classification symbols for cruisers, frigates, and ocean escorts. Refer to Missile Gap. Classification Prior to 1975 From the 1950s to 1975, the US Navy had three types of fast task force escorts and one type of convoy… Read More
Introduction In the United States, during the Cold War, the missile gap was the perceived superiority of the number and power of the USSR’s missiles in comparison with those of the US (a lack of military parity). The gap in the ballistic missile arsenals did not exist except in exaggerated estimates, made by the Gaither… Read More
Introduction Bulletproof vests are crucial for protecting military personnel and trainees who are gearing up to be on active duty. Without proper protection, soldiers are more likely to suffer fatal wounds from gunshots, which is the leading cause of death in the US Army in 2019. This short article answers why investing in body armour… Read More
Introduction The Hobbesian trap (or Schelling’s dilemma) is a theory that explains why pre-emptive strikes occur between two groups, out of bilateral fear of an imminent attack. Without outside influences, this situation will lead to a fear spiral (catch-22, vicious circle, Nash equilibrium) in which fear will lead to an arms race which in turn… Read More
Introduction In international relations, the security dilemma (also referred to as the spiral model) is when the increase in one state’s security (such as increasing its military strength) leads other states to fear for their own security (because they do not know if the security-increasing state intends to use its growing military for offensive purposes).… Read More
