A guerra irregular de quarta geração: reconfigurações estratégicas e desafios para as forças militares modernas

Abstract

This study analyzes irregular warfare and its developments as 4th Generation Warfare, with a focus on its impacts on modern military strategies in the 21st century. The challenge lies in understanding how asymmetric tactics, employed by non-state actors such as guerrillas and criminal factions, can neutralize conventional forces. The objective of this research is, therefore, to describe the main characteristic traits of these conflicts and their effects on military doctrine, analyzing the necessary adaptation of the armed forces to this complex threat. To achieve this purpose, the research sought to conceptualize irregular warfare and its manifestations, analyze conflicts in Latin America and Brazil, as well as discuss the impacts on the Command and Control structures of regular forces. For data collection, a qualitative approach was adopted, based on bibliographic and documentary research, with the analysis of military manuals, books, and academic articles that allowed for the correlation of theoretical concepts with case studies and Brazilian military doctrine. The results revealed that the main characteristic of irregular warfare is the shifting of the conflict to the psychosocial field, with the population as the center of gravity. The analysis also identified that groups such as FARC and the PCC use guerrilla tactics to challenge the State, which requires regular forces to undergo a doctrinal adaptation in their Command and Control, prioritizing initiative and flexibility. In summary, the research demonstrates that framing the actions of factions and guerrillas as a phenomenon of irregular warfare is fundamental, as it elevates the issue from a public security problem to a national defense challenge. This new perspective contributes to the development of more integrated military strategies, which are essential for preparing the Marine Corps for the threats of the 21st century.