Navigating Strategic Rivalries: Harnessing Military Might to Cultivate Allies and Exert Influence
In the latest episode of the Social Science of War podcast, produced by the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, retired Army Brigadier General Kim Field, the director of strategy, plans, and policy at US Special Operations Command, and guest speaker, discusses the critical role of the Army in shaping a favorable security environment within great power competition.
Hosted by Kyle Atwell, the podcast delves into various topics, including the tradeoff between deterrence and shaping, the need for unique Army capabilities, the effectiveness of shaping operations, the impact of US basing posture on reassurance of allies, and the risks involved in shaping activities.
The episode highlights the importance of the Army in reinforcing strategic commitments and partnerships, as demonstrated by V Corps's current work near the Russo-Ukrainian war zone, where the Army's persistent presence and readiness serve to reassure allies and deter adversaries.
The podcast also emphasizes the need for adaptable command and control (C2) systems in peer and near-peer conflict scenarios. Effective C2 systems that maximize flexibility and leverage advanced technologies are crucial for operational success in great power competition.
Moreover, the podcast discusses the significance of building cohesion and trust within units, as strong unit cohesion fosters resilience and effectiveness in conflict, essential for maintaining credible deterrence and operational capability.
In addition, military leaders are encouraged to operate with an understanding of complex civil-military relations and multinational coalition dynamics to shape favorable outcomes in competitive geopolitical environments.
Kyle Wolfley, a US Army strategist at US Army Cyber Command and a recent assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, is also a guest on the podcast. His award-winning book, "Military Statecraft and the Rise of Shaping in the World", based on his PhD research at Cornell University, provides valuable insights into the topic.
The National Defense Strategy prioritizes the US alliance and partner network, making shaping an essential concept. Dr. Brian Blankenship, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Miami, is another guest on the podcast, having published extensively on alliance burden-sharing and reassurance.
The Social Science of War podcast offers opportunities for students and teachers at West Point, allowing for connections with instructors based on their expertise. The podcast episodes can be shared on various platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, emailed, or printed.
Image credit for the article goes to Sgt. 1st Class Walter E. van Ochten, US Army. For questions about this episode or the Social Science of War podcast in general, Kyle Atwell can be contacted.
Shaping, as discussed in the podcast, refers to the concept where military power is used to attract and influence partners and allies, including multinational training exercises, US military presence, security force assistance, and military aid.
- The Army, as discussed in the latest episode of the Social Science of War podcast, plays a critical role in shaping a favorable security environment within great power competition, focusing on operations like deterrence, shaping, and security force assistance.
- Effective command and control (C2) systems are crucial for operational success in great power competition, emphasized in the podcast, as they should maximize flexibility and leverage advanced technologies.
- building strong unit cohesion is essential for resilience and effectiveness in conflict, as it contributes to maintaining credible deterrence and operational capability, as per the podcast.
- Military leaders are advised to operate with an understanding of complex civil-military relations and multinational coalition dynamics, as discussed in the podcast, to shape favorable outcomes in competitive geopolitical environments.
