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Definition: asymmetric warfare


A conflict in which both sides have very different capabilities but attempt to exploit the other's weakness. For example, the weaker side may booby trap its enemy rather than engage in hand-to-hand combat. The 9/11 Twin Towers destruction was a perfect example of asymmetric warfare, in which a handful of people were able to inflict immense damage both physically and psychologically on a country with a thousand times the military capacity. In contrast, in a show of strength, the larger side might obliterate popular and possibly sacred venues on the enemy's home turf. See information warfare.