NEWPORT, R.I. – U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) Center for Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups (CIWAG) hosted its tenth annual symposium, “Access and Influence,” at NWC June 26-27.
“Co-directing all 10 of our symposia series, we’ve broadened and deepened our focus every year,” said Andrea Dew, associate professor, NWC’s CIWAG. “In particular, we’ve been able to incorporate maritime irregular warfare discussions, economic and financial strategic challenges, gray zone challenges from regional powers, and cutting-edge science and technology. The annual symposium is vital for developing new lines of inquiry, adapting to new challenges, and ensuring joint professional military education on irregular warfare remains timely and relevant.”
The symposium’s keynote address was given by Rear Adm. Tim Szymanski, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, who spoke about how Naval Special Warfare continues to maintain their margin of excellence in a complex and competitive security environment.
The key discussions of the symposium included Economic Warfare Strategies for Resurgent and Ascending Powers, Access and Influence: Libya, Dark Science – Part II, Access and Influence: South East Asia, AQ & ISIS – Status Update, and Access and Influence: Russia.
“Three things really struck me during this year’s symposium,” said Dew. “First was that all of our discussions revolved around the importance of alliances and partners. Second, the technological, financial, legal and scientific communities are a vital part of the new frontiers in irregular warfare. Third, balancing priorities and resources for the continuing on-going challenges from irregular strategies is vital.”
The mission of CIWAG is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the challenges presented by irregular warfare and non-state actors in the 21st century.