Optimizing DoD Information Capabilities and Closing the Public Diplomacy Gap
Abstract
Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has dominated warfare within the physical domains. However, this success has not translated into dominance of the information environment, despite increased emphasis and funding. If dominating the information environment is vital to achieving our national strategic objectives, the current U.S. approach is inadequate. The United States must not pay lip service to the importance of information, it must treat it with the same regard that it treats the other instruments of national power. This will require establishing an organization responsible for coordination and synchronization of Public Diplomacy Information activities at the U.S. Government level, and consolidating DoD information capabilities into a holistic career field. Without such radical changes, the United States will continue to find itself vulnerable to others in the information environment who are intent on discrediting U.S. efforts abroad, the effects of which could ultimately undermine U.S. national security interests. These changes will require long-term vision and leadership that is willing to break current parochial paradigms. The bottom line is that the status quo is no longer a viable option.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589518
Entities
People
- Timothy D. Huening
Organizations
- United States Army War College