Virtuous Influence: An Imperative to Solve U.S. Strategic Communication Quandary

Abstract

Despite a misleading choice of words, strategic communication is truly about influence. It is not relevant anymore to artificially distinguish between information and influence, and the U.S. government and military need to come to terms with the notion of influence. As an organization that deploys a massive set of information capabilities, the Department of Defense should examine the potential of virtuous influence in developing a two-way communication with foreign audiences, refocusing military information specialties, and engaging in an understanding-based communication strategy that will better support U.S. national objectives. Such an approach translates into the inculcation of a true sense of empathy and the dedication of information expertise to the tactical forces to deliver messages that have a meaning for foreign populations and an impact aligned with the strategic influence objectives to be achieved.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 24, 2011
Accession Number
ADA553139

Entities

People

  • Patrik Steiger

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Situational Awareness
  • Strategic Communications
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Strategic Security Studies