Military Influence Tactics: Lessons Learned in Iraq and Afghanistan

Abstract

For most influence attempts in everyday life, success makes life easier and failure is a disappointment, not a tragedy. When U.S. soldiers deployed overseas attempt to influence civilians, however, success can save lives and failure can be deadly. Along with the high stakes consequences of influence attempts, soldiers face the challenges of bridging differences in language, culture, beliefs, and agendas.The current study examined cross-cultural influence attempts made by deployed soldiers, contributing to existing influence research by examining influence attempts in a complex and challenging wartime environment. Survey data from 228 military personnel with deployment experience to Iraq and Afghanistan revealed that empathy, respect, prior relationships, and familiarity with influence targets predicted success. Five influence technique clusters emerged, and use of technique clusters involving resources and positive feelings were more successful than negative tactics. v CURRICULUM VITAE

Taking perspective of the stories we tell about transgender rights: The narrative policy framework

“…Such a finding is consistent with Jones and McBeth's (2010) work that finds that a narrative which transports its audience, creating an emotional connection, to be "more persuasive than analytical arguments" (p. 343). Although it is clear that perspective taking and empathy are important elements in individuals' ability to understand the experiences of others (Wolfe & Arrow, 2013) the difference may further explain why some are moved by specific policy narratives while others are not.…”

“…It is sometimes done to help people understand the lives those who are marginalized (Galinsky et al, 2005). Perspective taking has been identified as a central component in an individual's ability to relate to those from diverse backgrounds (Wolfe & Arrow, 2013). Perspective taking can increase empathy and improve attitudes toward outgroups (Shih et al, 2009).…”