Why can a smaller guerrilla force challenge a stronger conventional army?

A smaller guerrilla force can challenge a stronger conventional army by utilizing asymmetrical warfare, where the goal is not necessarily to defeat the enemy in open battle, but to erode their will to sustain the costs of the conflict.12

Key factors that allow guerrilla forces to compete include:

• Tactical Flexibility: Guerrillas employ hit-and-run tactics, sabotage, and surprise to harass the enemy, cut communication lines, and avoid open engagement where conventional military superiority would prevail.132
• Strategic Use of Terrain: By operating in environments like urban areas or difficult terrain, guerrillas deny the enemy the ability to effectively use heavy weaponry or aerial bombardment without risking significant civilian casualties and political backlash.12
• Political and Popular Support: Guerrillas often rely on a sympathetic local population for intelligence, supplies, and sanctuary. Success is frequently tied to a clear political goal, which can pressure a conventional power to withdraw if the conflict becomes too costly or unpopular at home.3412
• Lack of Centralization: Small, less hierarchical groups are difficult to neutralize because they do not rely on a few key leaders or large, fixed bases that can be easily targeted.1

Ultimately, as noted by Henry Kissinger, the guerrilla wins if they do not lose, whereas the conventional army loses if it does not win.1