The wargaming signalling paradox: when military publication precedes political miscalculation

Authors

  • Branko Ruzic BAE Systems, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37868/dss.v7.id307

Abstract

This article examines how publishing wargaming results or military planning timelines creates institutional commitment traps leading to strategic miscalculation. Analysing Russia's 2013 Gerasimov article and China's October 2025 15th Five-Year Plan, we identify three paradoxes: publication signals confidence while reflecting overconfidence; aims to deter but constrains flexibility; and demonstrates rigour while omitting critical behavioural factors. China's 2027 PLA centenary deadline is particularly concerning, as Xi Jinping's legitimacy becomes tied to published timelines despite acknowledged wargaming limitations - the same blind spots that contributed to Russia's Ukraine disaster. Contemporary Chinese simulation research exhibits identical problems while claiming 90% success probability.

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Published

2026-02-18

How to Cite

[1]
B. Ruzic, “ The wargaming signalling paradox: when military publication precedes political miscalculation ”, Defense and Security Studies, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 89–105, Feb. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Branko Ruzic

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