Phil Williams

Military Contingencies In Megacities And Sub-Megacities Phil Williams

The U. S. Army has to adapt to a constantly changing environment. One of the most important changes in this environment is urbanization-a process that is occurring rapidly and globally and is resulting in the advent of much larger cities-of over 10 or in some cases even 20 million people-as well as the growth of many more smaller cities. It is also resulting in different kinds of cities, ranging from smart cities, in which technology is fully integrated, to feral cities characterized by violence and disorder. In between these extremes are fragile cities that can tip in either direction. This has led to some discussion about the appropriate focus for the Army, but the authors of this study argue that the best way forward is to consider both megacities and (what they term) sub-megacities. The authors also respond to questions that have been raised about the conditions that might draw the Army into a military operation in a megacity or sub-megacity, identifying six different kinds of strategic considerations