Psychological Factors and the Enemy Leader: Can Information be Used to Facilitate Surrender

摘要

Slobodan Milosevic conceded to NATO demands in June 1999 after 8 days of combat. This paper asserts there are at least three psychological factors common to most people that can be exploited to the degree they will be influenced to accede to the demands of another. This model of psychological factors and methods of persuasion will be applied to Slobodan Milosevic and examined against NATO's Operation ALLIED FORCE. The study will show how all elements of national power-diplomatic, economic, military, and information- influenced Milosevic a psychological factors and facilitated his decision to capitulate. A single case study does not prove the this theory, and more research of historical case studies is required, but a body of evidence suggests that authoritarian leaders are compelled to accede when they personalize a conflict. Theater commanders are best served when they integrate military power with diplomatic, economic, and information elements against an enemy leader's psychological factors.