An Ever-Expanding War: Legal Aspects of Online Strategic Communication
Abstract
Senior US leadership is redefining the "war on terrorism" as a global counterinsurgency effort, one that requires "smart power" collaboration by agencies. Although the requirement for interagency cooperation is a near-truism of US national security policy, finding the appropriate role for the Department of Defense (DOD) remains a challenge. This article examines one aspect of activities that potentially overlap with other government departments, DOD's growing involvement in the "battle of ideas." Consternation exists in the foreign policy community regarding DOD's expansion into missions traditionally performed by civilians. A critical example of this growth involves DOD's efforts to use the Internet to "craft a positive perception" abroad, while attacking the ideological underpinnings of terrorism. Mid2007, DOD issued policies authorizing commanders to engage foreign audiences via online interactive methods. The guidance was in response to complaints from the Combatant Commanders that a terrorist could post videos of extremist propaganda, unhindered, while US commanders had to navigate "legal" hurdles to get psychological operations (PSYOP) approved. A key issue is DOD's communication activities are increasingly separated from a kinetic mission; are directed at broad, cross-regional audiences; and appear more like a public diplomacy campaign than a military program. DOD's expansion into the field of interactive communication is troubling on two counts. First, once the DOD no longer labels its communication measures as PSYOP, it potentially subverts its own statutory authorities to conduct such programs. Second, DOD may be encroaching upon the Department of State's mission to engage foreign audiences. DOD's mission is one of influence; the State Department's is relationship-building and dialogue. The amalgamation of these tasks potentially undermines the State Department's efforts; it forces one to ask exactly where does DOD's mission end.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA504204
Entities
People
- Daniel Silverberg
- Joseph Heimann
Organizations
- United States Army War College