National Strategic Communication: Back to the Future
Abstract
America is engaged in a struggle for ideas with those who believe in radical Salafi jihadist ideology. Strategic communication is the term widely used to describe American outreach to the globe and to Muslim communities in particular. Since 9/11, American efforts in strategic communication have been highly criticized, much maligned, and perceived as genuinely ineffective. This paper examines the current U.S. national strategic communication organization and policy to determine if they are aligned properly to win the war of ideas against violent extremism. Historically, America has been highly successful in national strategic communication and information operations. The paper explores American national strategic communication organizations during World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. The findings show that there were six elements that contributed to successful national strategic communication efforts during these periods. When comparing these elements to current national strategic communication organization and policy, the conclusion is that current organization and policy do not possess the elements that historically have led to successful strategic communication endeavors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589282
Entities
People
- Michael Hester
Organizations
- United States Army War College