Influencing the Behavior of General Chang Wanquan to Protect United States Space Assets

Abstract

In January 2007, the Chinese successfully tested an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile that threatened US space assets and weakened Sino-US ties. A second successful test would further damage those ties and place more debris in Low-Earth Orbit, rendering that critical space passage less usable. The US must attempt to engage General Chang Wanquan, the Director of the General Armament Department, and influence him not to attempt a second test. This study recommends an influence strategy after studying General Chang's culture, organizations to which he refers, and psychological dimension. The psychological dimension considers the perceptions, cognition, emotions, reasoning, judgment, and decision-making process of Chang Wanquan; information gleaned from General Chang's background, public speeches, and writings available from open sources. In an attempt to influence the decision to launch a second ASAT missile, the US needs to immediately engage General Chang and offer limited cooperation on technical aspects of training, education, or anti-terrorism by using formal or informal avenues.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA539972

Entities

People

  • Scott E. Bergren

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Department Of State
  • Doctrine
  • Earth Orbits
  • Education
  • Families (Human)
  • Information Operations
  • Instructors
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Psychology
  • Training
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space