Despite his own theory’s internal incoherency and agenda-driven nature, John Robb nonetheless hosted a great discussion on 5GW, or “SecretWar.” In the comments, RyanLuke asked
If 5GW is getting others to do what you want them to do of their own free will (though maybe that is not the best definition?), where is the “war” part?
Purpleslog, a blogfriend who writes at his own site as well as Dreaming 5GW
It is limiting to equate war with just kinetic power and fighting.
War is conflict and competition between global actors to survive, hold, flourish and grow. This can be zero-sum or non-zero sum.
John Robb chimed in
Purpleslog, that’s called politics.
and I agreed with John
5GW is the use of meaningful violence to change one’s free will. That is, the victim believes he reached the decision through his normal processes, but in reality you are selectively killing, destroying, etc, in a way to bring about that decision.
I agree with John Robb that non-kinetic “war” is called politics. Politics and war are qualitatively different from each other. They should not be confused.
I made a mistake similar to Purpleslog’s eighteen months ago. Peaceful politics can be similar to violent war, and there may be a 5GP (5th Generation Politics) that complements 5GW (5th Generation War).
But war and peace are nonetheless distinct activities. They should not be confused.
