What do you understand by fifth generation warfare? Elaborate on the measures that are needed to be put in place to tackle this form of warfare by adversarial nations. – INSIGHTSIAS

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

6. What do you understand by fifth generation warfare? Elaborate on the measures that are needed to be put in place to tackle this form of warfare by adversarial nations. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: New Indian Express

Why the question:

An interesting debate has emerged on whether conventional conflict remains a significant part of India’s security or if hybrid threat scenarios will dominate in the future

Key Demand of the question:

To write about to 5^th generation warfare and measures that are needed to combat it.

Directive word: 

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining 5^th generation warfare.

Body:

First, write the evolution of warfare and elaborate upon the features of 5^th generation warfare and how different it is from conventional warfare.

Next, mention the vulnerabilities of India to 5^th generation warfare. Write about the steps that are needed to placed – tackling information war, identifying vulnerable areas, creating awareness, proactively taking action against hostile elements etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward