Polybian Warfare: The First Punic War as a Case Study in Strategic Competition and Joint Warfighting

Authors

Casey B. Baker, Air War College, Air University

Abstract

The First Punic War (264–241 BCE) between Rome and Carthage offers timeless lessons on strategic competition and joint warfare, particularly relevant for modern military strategy. This 23-year conflict highlights the challenges of long-term rivalries, where adaptability, alliances, and mastery of new domains like maritime power were critical to success. Rome’s transformation from a land power to a dominant naval force demonstrates the importance of technological innovation, such as the corvus boarding device, and the ability to sustain costly investments in new capabilities. Carthage’s reliance on mercenaries like Spartan general Xanthippus showcases both the advantages and risks of external support, while shifting alliances in Sicily reveal how political, economic, and military factors shape partnerships. The war’s back-and-forth nature, marked by decisive battles, prolonged stalemates, and fluctuating fortunes, illustrates that strategic competition requires sustained effort and resilience. For modern great powers like the United States, the lessons of this “Polybian warfare”—characterized by its protracted, multidomain, and resource-intensive dynamics—offer critical insights into navigating contemporary rivalries with China and Russia in traditional and emerging domains like space and cyber.

Recommended Citation

Casey B. Baker, "Polybian Warfare: The First Punic War as a Case Study in Strategic Competition and Joint Warfighting," Joint Force Quarterly 116 (1st Quarter 2025), 116-126, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol116/iss4/15.