Examining Warfare Across Its Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Forms

I'm Alexander O'Driscoll — a Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance Specialist by trade, and an independent warfare researcher.

My work focuses on the intersection of symmetrical and asymmetrical warfare, tracing how strategic logic persists across centuries of conflict even as the terminology changes around it.

I write about cyber warfare doctrine, alliance strategy, nuclear submarine deterrence, and the historical foundations of modern defence policy.

I've been published in Small Wars Journal. My research draws a throughline from 18th century colonial warfare through Cold War submarine operations to contemporary Indo-Pacific security — arguing, consistently, that the strategic principles haven't changed nearly as much as the buzzwords suggest.

When I'm not writing, I work in cyber security at one of Australia's major infrastructure operators, where the day job and the research inform each other more than most people would expect. Outside of both, I play baseball at the community level for the Windsor Royals — right field or second base, depending on the day — and follow the Blue Jays in the MLB.

If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach me at publications@armaleges.com.