Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity: The evolution of warfare through the process of globalization

This thesis joins a vibrant conversation in the realm of political science about the challenging nature of warfare and how globalization has completely transformed the operational environment in which war operates. It explores the literary presence of 'generational warfare theory' and collectively, articulates the effects that globalization has on warfare and how the state works to mitigate the risks associated with the democratization of technology in order to combat the rising nonstate threat, particularly the rise of the Islamic State in Syria. In order to analyze such a transformation on the politics of warfare, an in-depth analysis of the conflict in Syria was conducted and provides theoretical data that aids in painting a clear image of how globalization has transformed warfare into what is coined the Next Generation (NexGen) of Warfare. Lastly, the discussion will develop around the understanding of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) within the operational environment and how it applies to the development of a new theater of warfare that is no longer confined to a particular battlespace. In the end, the effects of globalization have had a dramatic effect on warfare.