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This paper examines naval irregular warfare by developing the theory Guerre de razzia written by Benjamin Armstrong. In its ambition to develop Guerre de razzia this paper analyses recent events of maritime conflicts containing at least one state actor. The analysis is based on the three main categories described in the theory: methods, goals, and success factors.

Past research on naval irregular warfare determines it as warfare conducted by non-state actors. Events as recent as April 2020 shows the use of irregular methods in maritime conflicts by state actors when Iran employed swarming attacks against the US Navy. Contemporary research emphasizes that irregular methods are no longer reserved to rebels and guerrillas but a way for state actors to reach their goals more efficiently.

The analysis establishes Guerre de razzia as a theory with high level of explanatory value for naval irregular warfare used in recent maritime conflicts. In terms of developing Guerre de razzia the analysis makes the following conclusions:

-Methods used in naval irregular warfare utilizes a higher degree of nonviolent approaches with the ambition of keeping the conflict from escalating

-Partnership as a mean of receiving logistics enables a small actor to expand its area of operation

-The specialized equipment required to undertake naval irregular warfare should increase mobility as a way of approaching the opponent with greater diversity