Targets of Economic Warfare II

The remaining targets apply to both countries and non-state groups. Again, bare in mind the objective is to eliminate the group’s ability to resist. In many cases, these tools can be rather “selectively” targeted.

In any modern economy very few big ticket items are saved for and then purchased. Instead these items are financed. Most corporations and governments are even more reliant on financing for day to day operations. By eliminating a group’s access to financing the ability to resist an economic take over or political agenda is greatly reduced. This has been one of the major tools in mergers and acquisition in the corporate world over the years. By creating cash-flow problems and preventing financing as a solution, many major corporations have successfully conquered. Access to financing as a target need not be limited to corporations. Any group can be economic handicapped by removing their access to financing including governments.

The means of production or the sources of income are another key target that relate to both countries and groups. Without a source of income very few groups can survive for an extended period of time. The siege was one of the first forms of economic warfare. This can be as complex as an embargo or a boycott, or as simple as shutting down a single key stage in a production or distribution chain. With no income, the group will eventually have to capitulate or die. This method has been employed by a number of groups throughout recent history with varying degrees of success. Most intriguingly against a variety of leftist groups against major corporations with only marginal success, unions with a great deal more success.