Ethics, Counterinsurgency, and Perceptions, in the Information Era
Abstract
The thesis of this study is that when physical actions that are not consistent with a nation's stated values are introduced into the information environment, they can be strategically adverse to that nation. Stated another way, in the present Information Era, it is very difficult for a government, especially a foreign, democratic government, to win a counterinsurgent war when the actions of their soldiers do not consistently support stated values. What is the importance of the relationship between ethics and counterinsurgency? In a single word, the answer is "perception." The case of a Western, democratic government conducting a counterinsurgency in a foreign country is perhaps the best scenario with which to test this thesis, because of the stated Western values of freedom of speech and human rights. However, this thesis does not just apply to counterinsurgent warfare. This thesis is applicable to all forms of warfare conducted in the present age and for the foreseeable future. Through an analysis of the relationships among ethics, counterinsurgency, and how perceptions are created in the information environment, the enhanced dynamics affecting the conduct of warfare in the 21st century will be better understood. Through this study, weaknesses in industrial-era military doctrine will become more evident, and military, joint, and interagency transformation can be improved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449956
Entities
People
- Steven P. Basilici
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College