Cultural Intelligence for the Commander: A Necessary Ingredient
Abstract
"By possessing strong cultural understanding, commanders transform seemingly random and irrational enemy activity into describable and semi-predictable acts." Virtually all commanders embrace the notion that being forewarned is forearmed. It has always been important to have a complete understanding of the adversaries' culture. To improve the value of credible and actionable intelligence to the Regional Combatant Commander (RCC), J2s must consolidate and incorporate cultural intelligence into their enemy assessment. The 21st century is here, and the United States is now arrayed against distinctive adversaries with dramatically different cultures. This new threat increases the nature of issues intelligence is asked to address and the nature of the information that bears on those issues. One significant source of information that has been under-utilized is that of the adversary's culture. If intelligence is truly about knowing the enemy, the U.S. military needs to rethink how cultural intelligence can be used to support operations. Today, intelligence systems and processes remain tuned to the Cold War. Subsequently, paradigms established by theater J2s do not assess or effectively analyze the cultural aspect of an enemy's values, beliefs, or behaviors to the extent required. Their current inability to factor cultural background into their analysis leaves them subject to unnecessary ignorance and indecision. Lack of cultural intelligence will lead to misperception, misinterpretation, and misrepresentation of the enemy that could have adverse effects on military operations, whereas a firm grasp of the adversary's culture can facilitate the achievement of operational objectives. Culture profoundly influences the intent and actions of the adversary. Instead of treating it as an obstacle to be "worked around," J2s should strive to use it as an asset -- a lens that can help them identify the enemy's critical vulnerabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA463954
Entities
People
- Peter E. Franz
Organizations
- Naval War College