The Necessity for Smart Power: How a SWIFT Kick Hurts
Abstract
The United States draws its strategic power from three foundational bases: economic, military, and soft power. These are the nation's center of gravity that enables its defense and its ability to influence others abroad. Traditionally, these three bases of power were considered distinct from one another and their management relatively straightforward. However, given the growing influence of the information revolution, technology advances, globalization, and the rise of transnational organizations, the complexity of our world has grown exponentially in the 21st Century. As with most complex systems, changing one part of the system both directly and indirectly affects many others parts of the system. The new reality is that the three power bases are tightly intertwined; therefore, affecting one influences the others and can have broad effects on strategic outcomes. This increasingly complex environment will require future strategic decision and policy makers to gain a greater understanding of each power base and how to effectively use them. The smart power approach highlights the need to synchronize our military, economic, and soft power bases. Smart power emphasizes not only the need for a strong military, but also the need to rely on governmental, nongovernmental, and military alliances at all levels to manage American influence and legitimacy of action. In this paper, an analysis of the Congressional act of removing the Iranian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system will demonstrate the intricate interconnection of each power base, and the need for the United States to develop leaders who are capable of employing smart power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590667
Entities
People
- Jeremy M. Roberts
Organizations
- United States Army War College