Final answer:
Warfare has evolved from the early twentieth century to the early twenty-first century in three main ways: technological advancements leading to precision strikes and cyber warfare, a shift from nation-state conflicts to asymmetrical warfare involving non-state actors, and the changing impact on civilians coupled with increased media scrutiny.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing the ways in which war has changed since the early twentieth century compared to later periods, including the early twenty-first century, can be understood through various developments.
Firstly, the nature of warfare has shifted significantly with advancements in technology. The early twentieth century saw the advent of industrialized warfare during the World Wars, characterized by trenches, artillery, and mass infantry assaults. By contrast, in the twenty-first century, warfare often involves precision strikes, unmanned drones, and cyber warfare, reflecting an era of highly sophisticated military technology.
Secondly, the context and causes of war have evolved. In the earlier part of the twentieth century, wars were largely driven by disputes between nation-states and ideologies, such as imperialism, fascism, and communism. Nowadays, conflict is increasingly characterized by asymmetrical warfare involving non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, with motives deeply rooted in religious extremism, sectarianism, and civil unrest.
Finally, the impact war has on civilians has transformed. While civilian casualties were significant during the world wars, modern warfare has seen an increase in strategies such as 'shock and awe', and a prevalence of urban warfare, leading to complex humanitarian crises and significant collateral damage. Additionally, the rise of modern media and the internet has brought unprecedented awareness and scrutiny to the human cost of contemporary conflicts.