The New Hiatus in Warfare

By Lt Gen Robert Fry

Message from the Editor

Lt Gen Sir Robert Fry reflects on the historical evolution of trench warfare during the First World War to demonstrate that, although post-modern technology may have improved, the fundamental nature of a military stalemate necessitates awaiting the emergence the next paradigm. Originally published by The Article, 13 July 2023
(https://www.thearticle.com/the-new-hiatus-in-warfare). A 10 minute read.

Warfare has always been a business of fits and starts. A technical development here, or a doctrinal revision there, have given fleeting, ephemeral advantage to one side, which has often been enough to shape history. Ephemeral advantage can come in a number of forms: Napoleonic French armies, animated by the principles of revolution and a meritocracy that took Bernadotte from private soldier to the throne of Sweden, were unified by a moral purpose that overwhelmed the ancient regimes of Europe. The Great German General staff brought unprecedented rigour to the intellectual analysis of war and i…

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