The Information Instrument of Power: More Than an Enabling Afterthought
Abstract
Due to great power competition resurgence, the United States has worked to secure the country through a balanced approach of all instruments of national power (diplomatic, informational, military, economic (DIME)). However, because information and its environment are so complex, the United States has lagged in effectively using the information instrument of power (IOP) in a comprehensive, orchestrated manner. This ineffective usage of the information instrument is due to the lack of a holistic understanding of information and how it is wielded for power, the absence of a comprehensive national strategy, and inadequate orchestration with other instruments of power. Unless the United States develops a better shared understanding of the information dimension, it will continue to be outmaneuvered by its adversaries in the informational domain. Additionally, the United States requires a comprehensive and deliberate information strategy with actionable items at the national level covering connectivity, content, and cognition. Furthermore, it would greatly benefit from a single orchestrator of the information IOP that sits on the National Security Council or a better-empowered lead agency to provide a more whole-of-nation approach. In doing so, the United States will be more secure and better prepared to compete against its adversaries in this complicated and volatile space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147678
Entities
People
- Rebecca F. Russo
Organizations
- Naval War College