Den svaga aktörens framgång i marin kontext : En teoriprövande studie om nyttjandet av irreguljär krigföring i marina konflikter

Sammanfattning: Research in the area of irregular naval warfare has been found to be deficient. Therefore, this essay aims to contribute to broaden the theorizing within this area. Arreguin- Toft´s Strategic interaction theory in force- asymmetric conflicts, involves the use of irregular warfare as a relatively weak actor in an asymmetric conflict. This theory, along with essential element of Sea Power theory, creates the theoretical framework. To examine its explanatory power in an naval context, the study was conducted as a theory testing case study. The to cases are the Tanker War 1984-1988 and the Battle at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 1945. The results showed that the Strategic interaction theory, to some extent, possessed the ability to explain the outcome in both cases. One conclusion that can be made, is that a relatively weak naval actor can benefit from the use of irregular strategies to prevent a relatively strong navy’s attempt to secure command of the sea.