U.S. Strategic Information Operations: The Requirement for a Common Definition and Organizational Structure in Support of the Global War on Terrorism

摘要

Despite its lofty title as one of the national elements of power, the informational component is fundamentally misunderstood in concept, diffused in responsibility, and fragmented in application. In American society, the right to free speech has primacy and citizens have a healthy distrust of official government rhetoric. Thus, the second tier status of informational power is perhaps unsurprising. But in the war of ideas and ideals that is the current Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), strategic information operations can be neither ignored nor allowed to languish. It is time to re-organize and focus information operations at a national strategic level and harness its potential. Kinetic military power, diplomacy, and America's economic might are critical to the GWOT, but similar success in strategic information operations is essential to creating lasting change. This paper reviews the current state of strategic information operations; discusses the lack of existing consensus regarding strategic information operations' definition, scope, and what it might accomplish; suggests a new model for strategic-level information operations; and compares and makes a recommendation from four options for better organizing information operations within the United States Government at the national strategic level in support of GWOT. These options are as follows: Create a New Department of Information within the Executive Branch, Assign Executive Agency Responsibility for Strategic Information to an Existing Department Secretary or Agency, Create a National Security Council Policy Coordination Committee for Information Operations, or leave the situation Status Quo. (3 figures, 18 refs.).