Western democracies in low intensity conflict: Some postmodern aspects

The essay addresses two main questions. First, what is the nature of postmodern low intensity conflict (LIC) reality? Second, how effective can Western democracies be in coping with the challenges posed by this reality? The main argument is that as a result of a change in values in Western democratic societies, the conduct of LICs by Western democracies has become significantly constrained by the need to manage such conflicts morally and in a less costly manner. Although technology has become a force multiplier for the weak, the stronger Western democracies can mobilize its technological edge for conducting LICs both effectively and at less cost, thus being able to sustain such conflicts despite their protracted nature.