This book investigates how the armed forces of industrial democracies engage in contemporary military operations, particularly irregular warfare, by examining the combat experience of Israel's ground forces during the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Based on extensive interviews and observations, the study explores the challenges of irregular warfare where routine activities can rapidly escalate into violent action, demanding swift adaptation from military forces. It analyzes the complex reality of these "new wars," characterized by fluctuating intensity, media involvement, human rights movements, and the martial administration of civilian populations. The authors propose new analytical tools to understand the peculiarities of post-Cold War irregular warfare, including concepts like loose coupling between units and the militarization of civilian environments.

The book offers a critical examination of Israel's ground forces' experiences during the Al-Aqsa Intifada to develop innovative concepts for understanding irregular warfare. It delves into the complexities of "new wars" and proposes analytical tools for the post-Cold War era. The work is grounded in extensive interviews and observations, aiming to contribute to the ongoing debate on military operations in irregular conflict settings. The authors' focus on social and organizational features provides a framework for understanding the unique challenges faced by modern militaries.