Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) African Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare Study

The Department of Defense (DoD)’s Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) will host the African Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare Workshop on April 16 and 17, 2025 at the AMA Conference Center in Arlington, VA.

This workshop will bring together key subject mater experts and stakeholders to examine the unique characteristics of irregular warfare (IW) across the African Continent. The Conceptualization Workshop Series is part of the IWC’s ongoing efforts to analyze and refine the global understanding of IW by exploring regional perspectives. This study explores IW perspectives from several African countries including, Angola, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Zambia.

“This study reflects the Center’s dedication to developing IW knowledge through the perspectives of our partners and allies,” said Lori Leffler, IWC Deputy Director and Chief of Staff. “We are proud of this work, which broadens are strategic insights and also enhances our ability to address IW-security challenges.”

The African Conceptualization of IW Study is based off IWC-generated formal surveys and semi-structured interviews from academic institutions or ministries of defense.

The African Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare Study can be viewed or downloaded here.