The Power of Information: Deterring China and Preserving United States Global Primacy
Abstract
How can the United States utilize the information instrument of national power to stymie China's global expansion agendas, preserve U.S. national security interests, and maintain the international balance of power? This paper will attempt to answer that question by first explaining why information should be the primary focus of integrated deterrence, and then providing two ways in which it can be implemented to achieve U.S. objectives. Effective and ample use of information, as an instrument of national power, by the United States is essential in competing with China, bolstering international security, and preserving national interests in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. This thesis is supported by three main arguments. The first explains why the informational instrument of power should be the main effort in deterring China. The national-level transition away from strategic deterrence means the U.S. must consider elevating information to a more prominent role in its integrated deterrence efforts against China. Next, to be effective and gain the information advantage over China, the U.S. must modernize its information-related capabilities (IRCs) and alter its information operations (IO) force structure. Lastly, to stymie China's global aspirations and achieve information dominance, the U.S. must aggressively utilize IO to exploit China's numerous vulnerabilities, both within its territorial boundaries and abroad.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1207585
Entities
People
- Christopher B. Allen
Organizations
- Naval War College