The Misplaced Ruse: Strategic Military Deception as a Tool in Low-Intensity Conflict

Abstract : The art of military deception is one that can be seen in action and is quoted throughout history. Though it has wavered in doctrine, it has maintained in academia for as long as recorded history portraying conflicts has existed. In modern times, the concept of low-intensity conflict has become an increasingly prevalent style of war. The increased role of non-state actors in conflict has brought this style of war to the forefront in the current state of conflict and for many years to come. This thesis looks to answer the question as to whether or not military deception, especially those operations conducted on strategic level targets, is still a viable tool. It will look at three different historical case studies of military deception inside of the imperatives and operational categories of low-intensity conflict. At the end, there will be an answer to this question as well as a recommendation for the future of military deception operations to further enhance military deception in what has become the dominating current and future style of war known as low-intensity conflict.