Meaning: This quote by Henry Kissinger, a prominent American diplomat and political scientist, captures the essence of asymmetric warfare and the challenges faced by conventional armies when confronted with guerrilla warfare tactics. In this quote, Kissinger succinctly highlights the fundamental difference in objectives and strategies between conventional armies and guerrilla fighters.

Conventional armies are typically trained and equipped to engage in traditional, large-scale military operations against similarly structured forces. They are designed to win decisive battles and achieve victory through the defeat of the enemy's armed forces. The success of a conventional army is often measured by its ability to secure and control territory, establish dominance, and force the capitulation of the opposing force.

On the other hand, guerrilla warfare involves irregular, small-scale tactics employed by a non-traditional, often non-state, force. Guerrilla fighters typically lack the conventional military capabilities of their adversaries, and therefore, they cannot engage in direct confrontations or head-on battles. Instead, they rely on tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, hit-and-run attacks, and asymmetric warfare strategies to disrupt the operations of the conventional army and wear down their resolve over time.

Kissinger's statement underscores the asymmetry in the objectives of these two types of warfare. The conventional army is expected to achieve a clear victory, whereas the guerrilla fighter aims to avoid being decisively defeated. This fundamental contrast in goals reflects the nature of the conflicts in which these two types of forces are engaged.

For a conventional army, failure to achieve victory is often interpreted as a loss. The inability to secure objectives, defeat the enemy, or control the situation can be seen as a defeat, leading to significant strategic and political consequences. The conventional army's success is inherently tied to achieving a clear and decisive outcome, and any failure to do so is considered a loss.

In contrast, the guerrilla fighter's success is not contingent on achieving a clear victory in a traditional sense. Instead, their goal is to avoid being defeated by the conventional army while continuing to undermine their efforts and erode their capabilities. The guerrilla's ability to sustain their resistance and maintain operational effectiveness over time, even without achieving a conventional victory, can be considered a form of success.

This quote also highlights the challenges faced by conventional armies when confronted with guerrilla warfare. Conventional military doctrines and strategies are often ill-suited to combating irregular, asymmetric threats. The elusive nature of guerrilla fighters, their ability to blend into the civilian population, and their reliance on unconventional tactics make them a formidable adversary for conventional forces.

In conclusion, Henry Kissinger's quote encapsulates the fundamental differences in objectives and strategies between conventional armies and guerrilla fighters. It underscores the asymmetry in the nature of their respective successes and failures, shedding light on the complexities of modern warfare and the challenges faced by conventional armies when engaging in asymmetric conflicts.