What is the defining characteristic of asymmetric warfare?

Asymmetric warfare is defined by a significant disparity in military capabilities between opposing forces. This often leads to one side having a substantial advantage in terms of resources, technology, and manpower. The side with the greater capabilities typically employs conventional military tactics, while the weaker side often resorts to unconventional tactics, such as guerrilla warfare, to offset the advantages of their opponent.

This type of warfare typically arises when a state actor, possessing advanced military resources, faces a non-state actor, such as insurgents or terrorist groups, that lacks traditional military power. The weaker side aims to exploit vulnerabilities and utilize strategies that compensate for their deficiencies, making the dynamic of conflict complex and often unpredictable. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for analyzing contemporary conflicts where power imbalances significantly influence tactics and outcomes.