Smart Networked Wars and Nonlinear Heterarchic Panarchic Deterrence

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Full Professor of International Relations , Faculty of Law and Political Science University of Tehran ,Tehran, Iran

10.22067/irlip.2026.92348.1637
Abstract
The author presents the concept of smart networked wars and Nonlinear Heterachic-panarchic Deterrence are as a new wave in modern studies of war and deterrence.These two are closely interconnected and often go hand in hand in the context of groups that living together. Throughout the history and evolution of international relations، the strategic environment and its types have determined the configuration of war and deterrence. On the other hand، deterrence against wars requires a specific configuration within the international system. This issue imposes particular demands on the foreign policies of states، especially at the regional level. Smart networked wars represent the final phase in the evolution of warfare، which necessitates a new pattern of deterrence. Although attention has been given to this، the existing literature on international relations has been unable to fully explain it. Deterrence against smart networked wars requires new systemic conditions، which can be explored within regional constructions of the international system. Thus، the present research raises the fundamental question of how the relationship between smart networked wars and deterrence. The answer to this question can be found in Heterarchic Panarchic deterrence، which is an innovative concept in the literature of International Relations and its strategic studies field. The main goal of this article is to advane the theory of nonlinear deterrence ;which the author introduced in the new wave of deterrence studies and to further develop it using the method of abduction.The result of the research article is also conceptualized in a new concept under the title of smart networked war and Nonlinear Heterarchic Panarchic Deterrence.

Keywords


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Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
September 2026
Pages 24-48

  • Receive Date 25 February 2025
  • Accept Date 19 August 2026