The Collective-Action Frame and Emergence: A Better Understanding of the Operational Environment

Abstract

How might military professionals better appreciate the role that collective action plays in an area of operations? Military doctrine and education posture mid-career professionals to focus on a systems-oriented approach and center of gravity (COG) analysis. The role of alliances, networks, and sub-systems comprising multiple, interrelated actors and groups is insufficiently addressed. I develop and propose a "collective-action frame" that comprises an appreciation for both networks and emergence to better prepare military professionals in understanding the operational environment. First, I analyze recent scholarship to build a comprehensive picture of the tactical role that collective action plays in conflict. Second, I argue that emergent outcomes further increase the gap between COG focused military planning and operational needs. Finally, the U.S. military's concept of mission command provides an opening for military doctrine to embrace the importance of collective action.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 13, 2013
Accession Number
ADA599176

Entities

People

  • Kurt J. Mcdowell

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Center Of Gravity
  • Civil War
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Information Operations
  • Military Doctrine
  • Military Education
  • Military Science
  • Political Science
  • Reasoning
  • Social Media
  • Social Networks
  • Students
  • Terrorists
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • War Colleges

Readers

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  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.