The details of conflict and combat are always changing: new adversaries, new technologies, new spheres of contention, new vulnerabilities, new avenues of defense and attack. But the fundamentals of conflict and combat are always the same. They involve recognizing and responding to the changed reality faster than an adversary can; using the new opportunities for attack and response; creating the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared values that let one’s own forces and allies cooperate spontaneously, while eroding those bonds on the other side.
Jim’s thoughts were in response to an obviously Defense Department-initiated project, but his wise perceptions about our approach to dealing with the rest of the world point out the need to create and nurture “bonds of trust, understanding and shared values” among ourselves and our allies, “while eroding those bonds on the other side.” Herein rests the strength of intellect and experience that follows many years of international reporting. Jim clearly nailed the basis for why we need to leverage the Connected Age on our behalf, both as an enabler for military strength and, equally important, for strengthening the bonds with our allies.
My dear friend, Captain Todd Veazie, United States Navy SEALS, also wrote an introduction to the paper on “Deterrence 2.0” that captured his own many years of experience and reflection on a changing world brought on by connectedness and the rich interactions of many global citizens. Todd, a fellow 2003 graduate of the National War College, where he befriended this old soldier, draws on a depth of experience and education I could never hope to recall. Todd’s thoughts about deterrence in a globally connected world:
Like Damocles’ sword, this global interconnectivity both strengthens us and moderates us at the same time. We are strengthened because we are better connected to others than ever before and thus capable of spreading the seeds of liberty and opportunity to populations that yearn for it and where the lack of it is still being justified. We are moderated by this interconnectivity because others can more easily exploit the seams and turn our freedoms against us to infect with vitriolic propaganda that violently radicalizes populations across this interconnected web.
The world has changed and both the process and effects of deterrence are changing. This report is a magnificent beginning to a necessary discourse about Deterrence 2.0 and even Diplomacy 2.0. This conversation must include all of the United States and its Allies. I am delighted to forward this report to you, the reader. May we understand and learn to exploit the insights and recommendations of the authors as we better understand the principles of deterring violent non-state actors in cyberspace. This report initiates that conversation.
From time to time, as this blog matures, I will quote from this report, an unclassified accounting of the exchanges of some remarkable thinkers about global affairs in the Connected Age. Many of you may have already seen the report and accepted or rejected its premises and conclusions. Regardless of what you may have thought about the substance of the report, however, the topic is more relevant than ever and hence this blog seeks to further the dialogue and stimulate a conversation that may inform our approach to global citizenry in an age where the US is not necessarily the most connected. That topic in itself is also worthy of discussion – perhaps we will.
Deterrence, containment, and even engagement will change in the Connected Age…they already have, but our doctrine and policies must now catch up to these changes. But, we can’t wait until then to begin challenging our statesmen, politicians and soldiers to think and act in light of these changes. Perhaps this blog can participate in that very important conversation.
Until the next time,
- Just an Old Soldier’s musings
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