This context from “Danger On Our Doorstep” highlights a fascinating and concerning evolution in military strategy and preparedness. The author seems to be pointing to several key factors that have compressed the timeline between conflict onset and the need for immediate, effective response:
Key implications of this shift:
Speed of modern warfare – Advanced weapons systems, cyber capabilities, and rapid deployment technologies mean conflicts can escalate and reach critical phases much faster than in previous centuries.
Reduced strategic warning time – Unlike World Wars I and II where there were often months or years of visible buildup, modern conflicts might emerge with minimal advance notice.
Readiness imperative – Nations can no longer rely on having time to train, equip, and mobilize forces after a conflict begins – they must maintain higher levels of immediate readiness.
Professional vs. conscript forces – This suggests a shift toward maintaining well-trained standing armies rather than relying on the ability to quickly train large numbers of civilians.
This analysis seems particularly relevant given current global tensions and the nature of modern hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, and precision weapons systems.