The Culture of Conflict: Assessing the Effectiveness of Cultural Analysis in Operational Planning

Author

Zachary Ekahi Duval

Date of Graduation

Fall 2009

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Keith Payne

Abstract

With the changing dynamic of warfare in the post-Cold War world, different tools are being used to accomplish national security objectives and fulfill foreign policy goals. In the face of anti-terrorism campaigns that have led to violent and virulent insurgencies, the United States has looked to a seemingly unconventional weapon to accomplish its counterinsurgency goals: cultural analysis. Since the beginning of the Global War on Terror the Department of Defense has directed subject experts to develop doctrine, materialize a plan of action, and export this tool to the troops who can use these techniques. This thesis will look at the history and definitions of cultural analysis, examine the modern uses and application of cultural analysis, and assess the perceived and real success of applying cultural analysis.

Keywords

culture, cultural analysis, HTS, HTT, COIN

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Zachary Ekahi Duval

Recommended Citation

Duval, Zachary Ekahi, "The Culture of Conflict: Assessing the Effectiveness of Cultural Analysis in Operational Planning" (2009). MSU Graduate Theses. 1448.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1448