Human Rights as an Army Special Operations Forces Tool to Compete with China in the Indo-Pacific
Abstract
This study explored the human rights dynamics of strategic competition between the US and China to identify opportunities for Army Special Operation Forces (ARSOF) and their partners to contribute to US efforts that exploit an asymmetric advantage over China in human rights to compete in Indo-Pacific states. Using a qualitative case study method and a critical factor analysis model to identify ARSOF opportunities, the researcher analyzed the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) strategy to employ compelling narratives, influence socio-political dynamics, and use exploitive economic practices to increase its influence in Bangladesh and Thailand. The researcher found opportunities to expose disinformation and emphasize partner nation independence in the face of CCP encroachment on its sovereignty in the information environment; to address grievances that are the result of CCP human rights violations, and to facilitate working groups aimed at strengthening societal resilience to detrimental Chinese business practices in the economic environment. ARSOF can use human rights as a strategic competition tool to reduce Chinese influence and strengthen integrated deterrence by building relationships, setting conditions (deterrence by denial), and observing and mitigating threats (deterrence by punishment).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1212018
Entities
People
- Leeann J. Whittson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College