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United States Strategic Communication

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Natolisaurus (talk | contribs) at 01:35, 13 November 2012 (this is listed as "U.S. strategic communication" because it is strategic communication conducted BY the U.S.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
’’’Strategic communication’’’ is the “coordinated actions, messages, images, and other forms of signaling or engagement intended to inform, influence, or persuade selected audiences in support of national objectives.” [1] There is often debate and discussion concerning what makes strategic communication. Regarding definition,  psychological operations, public or civil affairs, information operations and public diplomacy are seemingly the least contested components of U.S. strategic communication.[2]

Background

Strategic communication has been utilized in the United States for most of the 20th Century. History however, indicates that the U.S. primarily engages in strategic communication during times of need, such as World War I, [World War II] and the Cold War The first organization that engaged in strategic communication was the Committee on Public Information (1917-1919). [3] The CPI was tasked with not only encouraging domestic loyalty, but to build understanding and support of U.S. foreign policy abroad. This Committee was the first of many U.S. organizations dedicated to strategic communication, i.e. promoting U.S. interests overseas. In 1942, President Roosevelt created the United States Office of War Information to promote patriotism, and warn against enemy subversion through photos, posters, press releases, radio programs and even movies. [3] The United States Information Agency (1953-1999), however, was the premier strategic communication organization for the latter half of the 20th century. [4]

Definitions

Academics and professionals alike have yet to find consensus on a universal definition. As explained by Professor Dennis Murphy of the U.S. Army War College, “strategic communication is an emergent concept with several definitions floating about, no doctrinal base and a lexicon that fails completely to convey the desired understanding.” [5] This uncertainty, however has not prevented some official definitions from being released.

’’2006 Quadrennial Defense Review Executive Roadmap for Strategic Communication’’ 

“focused United States Government processes and efforts to understand and engage key audiences to create, strengthen, or preserve conditions favorable to advance national interests and objectives through the use of coordinated information, themes, plans, programs, and actions synchronized with other elements of national power.” [6]

’’Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associate Terms’’ (12 August 2012) 

“focused United States Government efforts to understand and engage key audiences to create, strengthen, or preserve conditions favorable for the advancement of United States Government interests, policies, and objectives through the use of coordinated programs, plans, themes, messages, and products synchronized with the actions of all instrument of national power.” [6]

White House 2010 ’’National Framework for Strategic Communication:’’ 

“strategic communication (s) refers to (a) the synchronization of words and deeds and how they will be perceived by selected audiences, as well as (b) programs and activities deliberately aimed at communicating and engaging with intended audiences, including those implemented by public affairs, public diplomacy, and information operations professionals.” [7]

Debate and Consensus

Despite the debate over the definition, there has been some general consensus on how to properly identify strategic communication. While most definitions across the government spectrum differ, some share similar cornerstones. Psychological Operations Information Operations Public Diplomacy

Current Application

“Tools of persuasion and inspiration were indispensable to the outcome of the defining ideological struggle of the 20th century. I believe that they are just as indispensable in the 21st century—and maybe more so.”

[8]

The Department of Defense

The Department of State

  1. ^ Paul, Christopher (2011). Strategic Communication. Praeger. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-313-38640-4.
  2. ^ Paul, Christopher (2011). Strategic Communication. Praeger. ISBN 978-0-313-38640-4. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  3. ^ a b Ward, COL Brad. "Strategic Influence Operations-The Information Connection" (PDF). Retrieved 12 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  4. ^ "United States Information Agency Fact Sheet". Retrieved 11 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  5. ^ Murphy, Dennis. "Talking the Talk: Why Warfighters Don't Understand Information Operations" (PDF). Retrieved 12 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  6. ^ a b "2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) Strategic Communication (SC) Execution Roadmap" (PDF). Retrieved 12 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) Cite error: The named reference "defense" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  7. ^ "White House 2012 National Framework for Strategic Communication" (PDF). Retrieved 12 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  8. ^ Paul, Christopher (2011). Strategic Communication. Praeger. p. 71. ISBN 978-0-313-38640-4.
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