The Role of Public Diplomacy, Public Affairs, and Psychological Operations in Strategic Information Operations
Abstract
Organizing for and conducting effective public affairs, public diplomacy, and psychological operations in support of national security objectives is a complex endeavor. In many instances, the desired psychological effects are contingent upon the efficiency of the organization conducting the programs and the development and dissemination of appropriate messages and themes. At present, the U.S. Government's ability to influence on a global scale is deficient due to fragmented organizational structure and underdeveloped doctrine relating to strategic influence. Duplication of efforts, inconsistent themes, and the lack of a long-term, strategically focused, integrated information strategy have been inhibitors to American foreign policy success. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, the U.S. Government and the American people have wondered why we have been unable to effectively influence the majority of the population in the Middle East. Since that time, the government has struggled with the question of how to both organize for and effectively conduct a strategic influence campaign in support of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The United States' present capacity to conduct strategic influence in the Middle East is hindered by a dysfunctional organizational structure relative to strategic information operations and an institutional reluctance to recognize or value strategic influence as an effective instrument of statecraft. This thesis examines the three primary components of U.S. strategic influence: public diplomacy, public affairs, and psychological operations. Next is a look at various U.S. strategic information programs, their organizational structure, and the changes that have occurred in focus and policies from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. The final chapter examines public diplomacy, psychological operations, and public affairs as they relate to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435691
Entities
People
- Bryan R. Freeman
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School