Miniature Wars

TRILOGY OF SHADOW WARS

Miniature War

MEHDI MOTAHARNIA

ABSTRACT:

This article intends to depict and study the process and phases of wordsmith search and analysis of Miniature Wars as an explainable theory, within the framework of a Conceptual or Research-Oriented Search and Security. Thereafter, this article intends to analyze and divulge into the subject on a step-by-step basis. This scientific wordsmith focuses on the, concepts or theories of Unbalanced & suspended wars.

This analytical-descriptive methodology is taken into account in this article. The pertaining outcome revolves round the definition, features and their bond with the dual concepts of unbalanced and suspended wars.

Prelude:

I aimed to theorize unbalanced and suspended wars and to further develop this duality into the trilogy of newly-emerging or shadow wars upon delineation of the miniature war concept. However, firstly, it was essential to study and scrutiny this terminology and to discover the history behind usage of this wordsmith in the considered field of study War.

I referred to Chat GPT Artificial Intelligence, and a set of considered books and articles regarding Miniature War terminology; yet to find a trace of such a term. To this end, I have taken advantage of Analytical Descriptive Methodology, Nonetheless, in a bid to optimize my project, I have made utmost efforts in usage of complementary approaches as Combined Methodologies.

Introduction:

Under the heading of Miniature Wars as the third aspect of Shadow Wars, I made every effort to find the pertaining term in systematic and precise manner. Upon studying the pertaining strategic, politico-military jargons, no trace of this terminology was found. Thus, my intention was to shift my focus from the duality of unbalanced and suspended wars as a sub-heading of Min

Therefore, at the very start, I dwelled on the said duality in an effort to describe the third kind of these wars, under the heading of Miniature Wars, concurrently divulging miniature-oriented pictorial aspects of battlefield as an appropriate pattern for blueprinting these battles. Hopefully, this approach shall assist us in perception of shadow wars in the upcoming post-modern era. These perceptions are intent on pacifist goals.

The main question that springs into mind is what is miniature war and its features? Let’s simultaneously focus on the following questions:

1. What is the root cause of Miniature War’s name?
2. What are the distinct features of miniature wars in comparison to unbalanced and suspended wars?
3. What are the differences of shadow and classic wars?
4. What is the need sensed for placing the terminology of Miniature Wars as a sub-group of Shadow Wars?

ARTICLE

In this section, under the heading of Article, author has elaborated on his concerns over his terms of questioning. The goal is to prepare this mindset of readers for perception of this field of study. Given previous explanations, this miniature war oriented pictorial delineation of small, elaborated battlefield; which mainly depicts historical scenes of war, are extremely luring. This artistic style exists in a diverse ranger of cultural frameworks. However, it ascended into its pinnacle in Iran and Islamic world, especially within Safavid, Timurid and Saljuqid eras. Miniature paintings were among the paramount arts of Islamic countries, via which artists mainly depict epics. Ferdowsi’s masterpiece in verse Shah-Nameh portrays historic events and battlefields.

Iranian miniature paintings are among the most prominent templates of battlefield related miniature paintings, especially throughout Safavid era. The features of Iranian miniature paintings depicting battlefields rendered attractive and luring teachings, shaping the concept behind the related terminology.

These paintings were mainly integral parts of hand-written copies of historical and literary books; stealing the spotlight; given their precise description of details, as well as lively and highly artistic colors.

Elaborately-Detailed:

In miniature paintings; entire details of battlefields within the framework of painting fiber, structure, parameters and even military uniforms and arms, countenances’ body-languages and surrounding environments, took centerstage.

Intricacy of Combinations:

Concurrent with comprehensively detailed fiber, pertaining painters tried to depict sense of movement, excitement, and stress of battles with an intricate blend of faces, body movements and horses. In this manner, combination of miniature paintings is mostly complicated and symmetrical. Lines and spaces are intent on guiding viewers toward the focal center or focal points. Miniaturists of Iran usually made use of repetitive patterns and harmony of colors in a bid to form aesthetic combinations.

Admissible blending, to this end, in turn, represented an important principle, which had further developed in this kind of shadow wars in comparison to unbalanced and suspended wars.

Application of lively colors:

Lively, stellar colors, such as blue, golden, green and red were extensively used in these miniature paintings in order to boost battles’ sense of glory and excitement. Note that these miniature paintings mainly make use of lively, glittering colors, in absence of flat-surface shadowing. I have focused on this trait in relation to considered outcomes and sequences of miniature wars.

Inattention to Realistic Perspective

A key aspect of miniature paintings is inattention to perspective in a realistic manner. Iranian and Islamic miniaturists preferred to portray different elements, separately and flatly, on one canvass, which, in turn, safeguarded the significance of every single part of the pertaining painting; making the details of every section highly transparent and evident.

Depiction of Epic-o-Historical Scenes

The majority of Iran-o-Islamic miniature paintings are pillared on epical, religious and historical anecdotes. The well-known Iranian poets Ferdowsi’s and Nezami’s “Shah Nameh” and “Khamseh” masterpieces, as well as other Iranian classic works in verse have been sources of inspiration for many miniature paintings. These paintings have pictured battlefields, kingly banquets, epical romances and heroic tales.

Application of Tazhib & Sideline Decorations

The abovementioned granted beauty and artistic imagery to miniature paintings in line with Islamic arts aesthetics principles.

Additional Sources of Study

“Iranian Miniature Paintings” penned by Basili Niktin, analyzes and studies Iranian miniature paintings that picture battlefields.

“Shah Nameh and Iranian Miniature Paintings” focuses on the bond between Shah Nameh & Miniature Paintings, presenting explicit templates of Miniature Wars within the illustrated transcripts of Shah Nameh.

“Safavid Miniature Paintings” Book, comprehensively discusses this topic, focusing on battlefields’ miniature paintings.

“Persian Painting: The Arts of the Book and Portraiture” by Sheila R. Canby.

The Art of the Persian Court: Studies in Fifteenth-Century Manuscript Illustration by Anthony Welch.

“Shahnameh”: The Persian Book of Kings” by Abolqasem Ferdowsi (Illustrated by various Persian miniaturists)

Battlefield miniature paintings render significant data on military attires, tactics, weaponry, and arrays within the stated eras. Especially, within the illustrated transcripts of Shah Nameh, and other historical writings such as “Zafar Nameh” and “Tarikh-e-Jahangoshaa”; the miniature paintings of battlefields have reinvented the historical and epical aspects of the said wars. These paintings also pictured military operations.

For instance: “Art and War in Safavid Iran” studies the role of art in  re-depiction of Safavid era wars, referring to how these battles and conquests were pictured in the Safavid Era miniature paintings.

“Islamic Arms and Armor in the Metropolitan Museum of Art”: This book analyzes Islamic weaponry and tools, mentioning several depictions of battlefields and weaponry, in the pertaining miniature paintings.

“Islamic Manuscripts: The Collection of the Chester Beatty Library” by Elaine Wright.

“The Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp: The Persian Book of Kings” by Sheila R. Canby.

“The Military History of Iran”: Chapters of this book and its pertaining articles analyze artistic and pictorial sources; such as miniature paintings and documentaries related to history of Iran’s wars.

Overall, although miniature paintings were significant documented artistic sources of registration and depiction of battlefields; they were rarely considered as definable and direct sources in the realm of battlefield military strategies. Miniature paintings maintain particular artistic and pictorial features, especially in Iran-o-Islamic cultures; distinguishing them from other painting styles. These features are not only bolded in drawings; but are also evident in the related themes and techniques. Thus, most significant traits of miniature paintings are pointed out.

There are several key aspects separating miniature or shadow wars from other battling styles.

The small scale and astonishing aspects of miniature wars focus on precise small-scale operations. This battling style is outlined for small groups of intellects, advanced technologies and planned offensives. The element of surprise is key to this battling style; given that the counter-forces are usually caught off-guard.

Application of State-of-the-art technologies:

Miniature wars are intertwined with technological innovations, such as drones, smart weaponry, and cyber intelligence. Advanced technologies enable military elite to fulfill their strategic goals in the absence of major, conventional offensives. This battling style’s direct bond with technology conforms it with modern world’s developments.

Role of Military Elite & Accuracy in Command ship

Unlike asymmetric wars, which heavily rely upon NGOs or guerrilla outfits; miniature wars are characterized with trained forces and military elites. Swift decision-making and optimal usage of limited sources are key parameters in winning battles.

Private Battles

Miniature wars are typically staged by non-governmental troopers, or, through the latent, indirect backup and advocacy of states. They are unofficial, hidden wars; reinforcing their shadowy nature.

Precise Targeting & Avoidance of Massive Destruction

Accurate targeting of locations such as command headquarters or sensitive infrastructures are of significance in Miniature Wars. Unlikely conventional, massively-destructing battling styles, Miniature Wars are intent on minimizing civilian fatalities and demolitions.

War in Emerging Fronts – Cyber and Intelligence Wars

A significant portion of miniature wars are staged in cyberspace and intelligence fields. Cyberspace operations and intelligence wars, somehow, cement shadow wars; given that instead of usage of physical weaponry; cyberspace data, networks and infrastructures are instrumental in attacking foes.

Intricacy & Instability of Strategic Environments in Miniature Wars

In this battling style, instable and intricate environs surmount insecurity and dissuasion. State and non-state players enter the scene in decentralized and scattered locations, applying indirect tactics. Such environs are highly dynamic and instable.

Responses

In delineation of miniature wars in accordance with the previously explained seven traits; there remain several key explanations for the purpose of further clarification of this terminology.

Deployment of Elites

State-of-the-art technologies

Preplanned Hidden Offensives

Wars in emerging fronts such as cyberspace wars are on the spotlight

This battling style is of key significance in comparison to conventional military frameworks; enabling battling forces to fend off complicated, indirect threats. Connotation of “Miniature Wars” notes that in the aftermath of defining unbalanced and suspended wars; the stated politic-o-military terminology – Miniature Wars – is a product of a foresighted strategy, marked as a sub-group of Shadowy Wars; making this battling style (Miniature Wars) an emerging, modern battling style, being namely characterized with features such as: Intricacy, high precision,  and containment of the battling dimensions; in resemblance to miniature paintings; which are well-known for their comprehensive pictorial details and accuracy. Miniature War is defined as small-scaled, pre-planned, highly impactful battling style.

The terminology “Miniature War” refers to highly precise military operations staged in highly-packed small geographical regions.

Fiber of Miniature War Terminology

Definition: Miniature Wars are a whole series of small-scaled, pre-planned, destructive offensives, making use of accurate, complicated, and minute-ranged tactics; instead of staging wide-scale confrontations. Advanced, modern technologies; precise data, and calculated attacks are key aspects of Miniature Wars; which are applied concurrent with emphasis on contained, limited offensives, in a bid to attain strategic goals, while bearing least possible fatalities and expenses.

Miniature War Traits – In the Framework of Modern Concept

• Highly precise targeting, in resemblance to highly-comprehensive and accurate miniature paintings
• Mitigated Operations: Contrary to wide-scale military operations; miniature wars are small-scaled; applying advanced weaponry against specific targets.
• Application of Advanced Technologies: Usage of modern technologies; such as drones, intelligence systems, and cyberspace wars necessitate acquirement of pertaining know-how and accurate data.

Avoidance of Direct, Widespread Conflicts:

Mainly focuses on asymmetrical, smart operations to avoid major fatalities and wide-scale operations.

Highly dynamic and swift: Similar to suspended wars; miniature battling style is highly swift, and technically-variable.

Relationship of Miniature Wars with Unbalanced & Suspended Wars under Heading of Shadowy Wars

Unbalanced Wars are characterized with unequal battling sides, with one side stronger than the other. However, Miniature Wars enable weaker powers to stand up against more powerful forces; given this battling style’s intricate tactics.

Suspended Wars: They are constant or aborted battles, featuring unspecified outcomes. Miniature Wars could also be categorized as a sub-group under this Heading; given that miniature battling style consists of small-scale offensives, which do not transform into multilateral, direct attacks. Thus, seemingly, Miniature Wars can be categorized under 21^st-Century Specified offensives; characterized with conventional, widespread battles.

In Persian Literature, antonym for Miniaturized is “Aggrandized”. While miniature paintings picture detailed, small-scaled scenes; Aggrandized refers to larger scaled, less detailed pictures. Anti-Miniature Wars are highly extravagant.

As said, Miniature Wars are specified with precision, small scale and intricacy, in contrast to anti-miniature wars; applying more direct, larger scaled tactics.

In other words; anti-miniature wars possibly resemble classic, larger scaled wars, bearing less tactical intricacy, deployment of more troopers, and more open-sourced orientation. In order to analyze this concept; note the following;

Large-Scale:

Contrary to mitigated, small-scaled battles, anti-miniature wars are widespread, directly and concurrently deploying countless troopers and weaponry to achieve regional or national superiority.

Human-Resourced & Wide-Scaled Weaponry Focused

Contrary to miniature wars; anti-miniature battling style is troop-oriented, making extreme and excessive usage of weaponry such as tanks, warplanes and warships.

Directly-Deployed Troops

Anti-Miniature Wars are inclined toward direct, large-scale troop deployment, face-to-face confrontations, and observable battlefields; with the battling sides making utmost usage of their might and strength.

Macro, Concurrent Strategies

Miniature Wars are characterized with macro-scaled strategies; displaying concurrent, large-scaled, multi-fronted, coordinated military operations.

Massively Destructive

Contrary to Miniature Battling Style; Anti-Miniature Wars are large-scaled, excessively destructive offensives; applying tactics such as widespread bombardments, major air offensives, and using long-range missiles; targeting enemy’s infrastructures.

Major Logistic Reinforcement

Anti-Miniature Wars are specified with wide-scaled chained, logistical backbones for maintenance of operations; being needy of countless weaponry, huge resources and long-term backups.

Wars of Attrition

Contrary to miniature battling style; Anti-Miniature Wars can turn into Wars of Attrition; prolonging for several years; and devouring huge economic reserves and large-scale deployment.

The abovementioned traits; separate Miniature from Anti-Miniature Wars in the midst of Shadowy and modern battling styles; in comparison to direct, classic confrontations. Analysis and strategic perception of these traits leads to following:

-Miniature War is a modern battling style, heavily relying on advanced technologies, accurate data and planned military operations.

On the other hand, Anti-Miniature Wars are conventional, classic wars; with massive deployment, and large-scale usage of weaponry. In other words, Anti-Miniature War could be a strategic response to Miniature Wars; instead of acceptance of small-scaled, intricate strategies.

Given that; it can be said that the 1^st and 2^nd “Va’de-ye-Saadeq” Iranian military operations against Israeli regime; and the Israeli regime’s military operations relatively resemble Anti-Miniature and Miniature Wars. In this strategy; Iranian and Israeli regime’s military operations can be studied as two different battling strategies.

Israeli Regime’s Military Offensives

Israeli regime constantly stages intricate, planned strategic miniature offensives against Iran and its regional proxy forces, including the following:

-Accurate operations such as meditated assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists.

– Large-Scale air raids against Iran’s military positions and its proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon.

-Cyberspace Wars and advanced intelligence operations, in the absence of direct, large-scale conflicts; leaving major impacts.

-Usage of drones for accurate, small-scaled operations

These tactics are driven by Miniature battling style; given that the Israeli regime stages limited, planned offensives instead of large-scale deployment in a bid to stage a massively-destructive impact on Iranian military and intelligence infrastructures.

Anti-Miniature War: Iran’s 1^st and 2^nd “Va’de-ye-Saadeq” military operations

Meanwhile, the abovementioned operations are manifestations of Iran’s military and strategic anti-Israeli operations; being a template of Anti-Miniature Wars. Iranian military operations’ traits follow:

Widespread Missile Attacks: In response to Israeli regime’s limited, accurate offensives; Iran applied missile attacks as a part of its strategy. Contrary to limited, small-scaled offensives; Iran’s military operations are larger-scaled and more destructive. Deployment of proxy groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon; and Palestinian groups are a template of larger anti-Israeli military operation.

These groups can stage missile attacks and deploy troops to inflict losses on Israeli regime.

Large-Scale Logistics:

Iran constantly reinforces its regional proxy groups on a long-term, large-scale basis.

Given this; one concludes that Israeli regime’s offensives are typical of Miniature Battling Style, characterized with precise, limited, highly technological offensives. In contrast, 1^st and 2^nd “Va’de-ye-Saadeq” Iranian military operations are typical of Anti-Miniature Battling Style, covering larger and longer proxy forces-assisted military operations; constantly undermining Israeli regime forces.

Thus, the two battling sides apply different battling styles: Israeli regime tends to stage planned, small-scaled offensives, while Iran launches larger-scaled, classic attacks.

I refer to Israeli regime Miniature and Iranian Anti-Miniature battling attacks as a manifestation of non-existent balance and massive contrast of strategies. This so-called Caricature Status depicts an unrealistic, exaggerated picture, somehow satirically portraying the existing contrast. Thus, seemingly, Motaharnia is intent on explaining that this confrontation is abnormal and unmanageable, in a realistic and efficient manner; given that the entanglement of two contradictory, different strategies inflict major regional financial losses. Thus, particular aspects of imbalance and contrast of strategies are possibly depicted. Hence, there may be need for a better terminology to render a more scientific and accurate delineation. More precise and scientific replacements can present concepts that focus on instability and inefficiency, instead of emphasis on satire and exaggeration. Hence, some terminologies can be used as replacements.

Asymmetric Situation:

Refers to asymmetry and major differences in the two battling sides’ strategies and means. In such a situation, the two battling sides apply very different approaches, causing imbalance and intricacy in crisis management. This more scientific and accurate term is rooted in a cartoon. However, it is modelled on a specifically-defined battling style, which does not convey this terminology.

Unstable Situation:

Refers to a situation within which interaction of two strategies, pillared on different approaches fail to stabilize and is momentarily susceptible to escalated tension and instability. This is also an incomplete, scientific, perceivable definition of existing terms; which fails to be all-encompassing.

Strategic Conflict Status

This strategy is in direct contrast to the two strategies and approaches; thereby failing to overlap; while displaying an ever-existing contrast. This situation could escalate tension or lead to deadlock.

Given this, usage of Cartoon-status terminology can serve as an unofficial delineation or manifestation of exaggerated contrast of strategies. However, scientifically, terms such as asymmetric or unstable situations could be more precise and realistic; depicting contrasts between Miniature and Anti-Miniature Wars in a more respectable and amicable manner. Nonetheless, its representation status is somehow undermined. Will this caricature war finally succeed? Who shall be beneficiary to such a conflict?

Caricatured Situation refers to a terminology, which exaggerates or misrepresents a situation’s features; similar to caricatures, within which personal traits or features of objects are exaggerated. Note that the term Caricature is rooted in term “Caricare’ which is defined as an opening or loading. Gradually, it was defined as Exaggeration or Aggrandizing, describing individuals or events.

In a chat with Artificial Intelligence, I presented a geometrical and linear depiction of the three terms “Imbalanced, Suspended & Miniature Wars’, based on rendered concepts, urging AI to draw a meaningful picture. Hence, every concept was portrayed with particular shapes and patterns.

 I quote “Soon Tezo’ as saying: Attack an unprepared foe and pop up in unexpected locations’; a paraphrase from the Book: ‘The Art of War’, which revolves round shadow wars, especially Miniature Wars.

This statement points out asymmetry and element of surprise in strategies, which are crucial to victory in battles. Given the said statement & presented theory on MINIATURE War, I urged another depiction. Observe the outcome:

The produced picture depicts Miniature War, and is inspired by the well-known remark of Soon Tezo, stated above. Hence, Miniature War theory is drawn.

Blue-colored drones manifest usage of advanced technologies in small-scaled, remotely controlled battles.

Red-colored elite military outfits display restricted, trained forces deployment, operating in unexpected locations.

Green-colored tokens of cyberwar highlight the significance of cyberspace and intelligence attacks in this battling style.

All of these segments are situated in a digital network, manifesting intricately coordinated targets in the midst of forces and applied technologies.

I made utmost efforts to explain the differences of imbalanced war, and to compare and grade every one of the said concepts, while bearing in mind the remarks of Soon Tezo.

The outcome follows:

Imbalanced Warfare:

It refers to strategies, based on which there is a huge rift between the battling capacity, tactics and technologies of the two battling sides. Soon Tezo’s remarks closely convey this concept; given that taking advantage of the enemy’s drawbacks is a vitality in imbalanced wars.

Suspended Warfare:

In this battling style, for some reason, battles have come to a halt temporarily or extensively, mainly as the consequence of uncertainty or indecision. This battling style is lesser bonds to Soon Tezo’s remarks; maintaining differences such as swift tactical changes and keeping enemy troopers off-guarded.

Miniature Warfare

In this battling style, there are small-scaled, precise, limited, effective military operations; relatively linked to Soon Tezo’s statements, given that there are accurately staged offensives and unexpected targets.

7/10

Based on analysis of Artificial Intelligence, Soon Tezo’s statements are mostly-related to asymmetric warfare;’ given that it particularly insists on asymmetry and element of surprise in its strategies. I fully approve this standpoint. Given my viewpoint, suspended warfare bridges the gap between Asymmetric and Miniature Wars. I showed no sensitivity toward it; however, I asked whether you considered asymmetric warfare closer in definition to Soon Tezo’s statements; in comparison to Miniature or Suspended Warfares? You granted 9/10. Don’t you think that given the delicacy and precision of Miniature Wars; coupled with their element of surprise and swiftly changing tactics, he/she can grant a score higher than 7/10 to Miniature Wars? What’s your uptake?

The response was:

You rightly point out that the delicacies and particular traits of Miniature Warfare can potential obtain a score higher than 7/10, in relation to Soon Tezo’s statement. Further analysis goes to show the close bond between Soon Tezo’s concepts of element of surprise and unexpectedly-located offensives with Miniature Warfare.

Root Causes of granting higher scores of 8/10 or 9/10 to Miniature Warfare?

1. Tactical Surprises & Foes’ Inability to Predict

Miniature Warfare highly relies on the element of surprise and swiftly changing tactics; being highly compatible to Soon Tezo’s statements; given that this battling style makes use of enemy’s drawbacks, with forces deployed in unexpected locations; instead of directly confronting enemy’s frontlines.

• Technologically Advanced

Usage of modern technologies such as drones, and smart weaponry makes it possible to stage precise, sudden offensives in Miniature Wars. The element of surprise is paraphrased as ‘effective strategy’ in Soon Tezo’s remarks.

• Flexibility and Change of Tactics

Miniature Warfare is characterized with swiftly changing tactic, small elite outfits can misguide enemy troops through continuous re-location and their choice of operations; being compatible with Soon Tezo’s proposals on unexpectedly-located offensives against enemy positions.

• Planned Offensives

Contrary to large-scale battles, Miniature Wars focus on strategic and sensitive enemy warfronts; tantamount to optimal deployment and limited sources; which, once again, is in line with Soon Tezo’s statement; emphasizing on taking advantage of enemy’s drawbacks.

Conclusion

Given the above, higher scores can be granted to Miniature Warfare, ascending from 7/10 to 8/10 or even 9/10; given that this battling style displays the same delicacy, element of surprise and precise targeting, proposed by Soon Tezo. Thus, Miniature Warfare is compatible with Soon Tezo military philosophy to the same extent as Asymmetric Warfare.

Guerrilla and Miniature Warfare

The other topic of significance is to distinguish guerrilla warfare from shadowy wars, especially Miniature Warfare. To study the distinctions and similarities of Miniature & Guerrilla Warfare, one should focus on key traits of each of the abovementioned Warfare.

Similarities

Small-Scaled Operations:

Both Miniature and Guerrilla Warfare are characterized with small-scaled, limited operations. Miniature Wars stage precise, centralized attacks, while Guerrilla Wars are characterized with small-scaled, sudden, effective operations. However, Miniature War’s effectiveness in application of complementary traits is at a higher level.

Insistence on Element of Surprise

In both battling styles, the element of surprise is crucial. In Guerrilla Wars, sudden operations are staged in unknown locations; while Miniature Wars also focus on selection of unexpected targets and accurate offensives. However, given the unconventional latency in Guerrilla War operations; such battling style is closer to Soon Tezo’s statement.

Accurate Targeting

Both of the said battling styles are intent on pounding the sensitive enemy positions. In guerrilla wars, small-scaled deployed troops attack enemy’s drawbacks; while in Miniature Wars small-scaled strategic offensives are staged against a limited number of targets. In Miniature Wars, pounding enemy positions is small-scaled and strategic with a lower deployment of troopers, in comparison to Guerrilla Warfare.

Points of Difference

1. Command Ship & Structure

Within Guerrilla Warfare, usually irregular deployment of non-governmental forces takes place – such as resistance or voluntary forces – with the command ship decentralized and equipped to a lesser extent. Meanwhile, Miniature Wars are usually characterized with advanced, state-run military outfits, armed with modern, accurate weaponry such as drones and cyberspace attacks.

• Technology & Pertaining Tools

Usually, advanced technologies such as drones, accurate weaponry, and cyberspace operations are used within Miniature Wars. In contrast, Guerrilla Wars usually rely on conventional, irregular tactics such as lurking and guerrilla operations.

• Strategic Targets

Usually, targets in Miniature Wars are precisely located and restricted in a bid to assist change in the general outcome of wars. They also rely on swift and specific conclusion of tactics. In Guerrilla Wars, the principle aim is to undermine the enemy through exhausting enemy troopers on a long-term basis.

In comparison to Guerrilla Wars; the Miniature War relies on the state-of-the-art technologies and highly accurate military operations. However, both battling styles are contingent upon the element of surprise via launch of small-scaled operations. Nonetheless, Miniature Wars are characterized with usage of advanced technologies and state-orchestrated deployment, in specific.

In my view, military elite are crucial to Miniature Wars; given the usage of advanced technologies, throughout centralized, accurate military operations take place in this battling style. Miniature Wars insist on restricted, planned offensives through deployment of highly capable, fast-moving, disciplined troopers; operating in unstable, intricate  locations; thereby attaching significant importance to suitable military infrastructures.

Features of Miniature War Military

Infrastructure

1. Significance of Elite & Special Forces

In this battling style, deployment of elite and highly-skilled forces, specialized in advanced technologies, such as drones, cyberspace wars, and intelligence operations, is a must. There should be swift-reaction forces, capable of staging precise, fast operations against specific targets.

• Nimble and Flexible Military Structure

Military infrastructure should be nimble and flexible in a bid to swiftly react to changing circumstances and unstable environs. The pertaining infrastructure should not be centralized and/or heavily-rooted. In contrary, it should be comprised on small, independent, autonomous outfits, operating based on precise intelligence.

• Multilateral Coordination

Miniature Wars are characterized with deployment of multiple, coordinated outfits, comprised on Ground, Air and Naval Forces, in addition to cyberspace war units. Such a coordination is feasible, thanks to advanced command and control systems (C4ISR), enabling military commanders to decide and guide troops, in a split of a second.

• Usage of Intelligence and Advanced Technologies

Data-based, small-scaled operations are at the heart of Miniature Wars. Military elite should be able to make use of Artificial Intelligence, analysis of data, and momentarily supervision of battlefields in a bid to locate the best offensive spots and to take action, accordingly.

• Usage of Accurate Weaponry

Miniature wars are characterized with usage of smart weaponry, and accurate operations, while applying drones and guided missiles as key elements. Elites should be capable of operating such weaponry and to launch offensives against specific targets based on reliable intelligence.

• Short-Term, Effective Operations

Miniature battling style is usually short-termed, limited and strategic. Thus, military infrastructure should operate accurately and efficiently in a swift, non-wasteful manner.

Key Military Parameters in Miniature Wars

Autonomy and Swift Decision-Making

Deployment of elite forces, capable of making fast, independent decisions.

Expertise in Modern Technologies

Elites should be able to use advanced technologies in a whole host of fields, such as cyberspace wars, drones, and data analysis.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Deployed troops should swiftly adapt to environmental circumstances, as well as emerging intelligence, and be able to operate intricately in a set of diverse environs.

Generally speaking, modern military elites are vital in Miniature Wars; given their advanced tactical and technological capabilities.

Conclusion

Based on this perspective, Miniature Battling Style is one of the modern, emerging Shadowy War battling types; which operates based on advanced technologies, and small-scaled deployment of elite outfits; focusing on limited, planned offensives. These pivotal small-scaled operations are usually staged secretly through application of modern technologies such as drones, smart weaponry and cyberspace attacks. Flexibility and swiftly-changing tactics are used for the sake of misguiding and surprising enemy troops; concurrent with making use of enemy forces’ drawbacks and sensitivities; spotted via accumulation of precise intelligence. A main pillar of Miniature Wars is deployment of military elites, and small specialized outfits, capable of staging fast, accurate operations.

Technology is vital in Miniature Wars, such as cyberspace wars and tools for accumulation of intelligence. This war is staged in emerging fronts such as the cyberspace via usage of data and digital intelligence. Usage of surprising tactics takes the back seat in comparison to application of modern technology in this battling style. The element of surprise and asymmetric warfare are key to Miniature War strategy; as pointed out by Soon Tezo. Miniature Wars are also characterized with surprise offensives. One should also bear in mind the intricacy of the strategic environs. Unstable and interwoven environs escalate insecurity and instability in Miniature Wars; which engage in deployment of state and non-state troops, staging indirect tactics. The interception of these two forces shape a diverse range of aspects and dimensions.

Note that the differences of Asymmetric and Guerrilla battling styles are of paramount importance. Commonality of Miniature and Asymmetric Wars is in usage of indirect strategies and exploitation of enemy troops’ drawbacks. Meanwhile, the size and type of operations staged in the two abovementioned battling styles are different. Furthermore, Miniature and Guerrilla Wars maintain similarities, however, are tactically different; given that Miniature Wars make use of advanced technologies and deploy elite forces.

The END