Small wars are operations undertaken under executive authority, wherein military force is combined with diplomatic pressure in the internal or external affairs of another state whose government is unstable, inadequate, or unsatisfactory for the preservation of life and of such interests as are determined by the foreign policy of our Nation.
--Small Wars Manual, 1940
- to facilitate the exchange of information among practitioners, thought leaders, and students of small wars, in order to advance knowledge and capabilities in the field;
- to assist in the creation, capture, sharing, and application of knowledge of small wars;
- and ultimately to advance self-determination, freedom, and prosperity for those populations effected by the conduct of small wars.
Small Wars Foundation's primary current activity is operating the website Small Wars Journal, publishing articles in Small Wars Journal and commentary via SWJ Blog, and managing the other interactive and reference features of the site in support of the small wars community of interest. We are working to increase our capacity, enhance the services offered via Small Wars Journal, and add additional programs beyond the site that further the Foundation's exempt purposes.
Corporate History
Small Wars Foundation was formed as a non-profit to expand the initial successes of Small Wars Journal. Tun Tavern was inconvenient at the time, but the final table slap did come, appropriately, in a meeting at a bar. Despite that venue, Small Wars Foundation is a very sober organization "formed exclusively for charitable, educational, and literary purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code" and all its assets are permanently dedicated to exempt purposes.
Small Wars Journal was launched in 2005 and operated by Small Wars Journal, LLC with a not-for-profit mentality. Co-founders Dave Dilegge and Bill Nagle worked nights & weekends out of their garages and basements to keep up with the volunteer efforts and content contributions from the many authors, pundits, and just plain helpful folks who chipped in to help grow the fledgling site into a small but active community.
Small Wars Foundation formed on January 16, 2008 to explore a legitimate nonprofit structure as an alternative to the overwhelmed LLC. Small Wars Foundation assumed operation of Small Wars Journal on June 1, 2008, as the successor to Small Wars Journal, LLC. The IRS recognized Small Wars Foundation's application for recognition of exemption as a 501(c)(3) in its letter of December 31, 2008, which helps to open the door to new sources of support as the Foundation pursues its exempt purpose. It is now on us to execute.