Winning the Battle of Ideas in the War on Terrorism
Abstract
This paper focuses on the United States' need to adapt its strategic communication strategy (themes, goals, and organization) in fighting the Global War on Terrorism - GWOT. While addressing the United States Army War College on 27 March 2006, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the country is faring poorly in its effort to counter ideological support for terrorism, in part because the government does not communicate effectively. "If I were grading I would say we probably deserve a `D' or a `D-plus' as a country as to how well we're doing in the battle of ideas that's taking place in the world today." To support this position, this paper first examines the radical ideology of our enemy plus the means and effectiveness with which that ideology is communicated. It then evaluates the strategic communication strategies employed by the Bush administration from September ii, 2001 through the end of 2006. Because we can learn from the past, it presents successful communication themes and strategies focusing on World War II and the early years of the Cold War. This paper concludes by offering recommended strategies our leaders should consider in order to win the battle of ideas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468842
Entities
People
- Joel E. Roberts
Organizations
- United States Army War College