(DoD) A violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence over the relevant population(s). Irregular warfare favors indirect and asymmetric approaches, though it may employ the full range of military and other capacities, in order to erode an adversary's power, influence, and will. Also called IW.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). irregular warfare. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/irregular_warfare/definitions/1962320 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "irregular warfare" http://smartdefine.org/irregular_warfare/definitions/1962320 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, irregular warfare, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/irregular_warfare/definitions/1962320>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "irregular warfare" 4 April 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/irregular_warfare/definitions/1962320> |