Senior Course 116 attended a lecture today on “The Media and Strategic Communication”, delivered by Dr Itamara Lochard and Dr Mark Laity, and focusing on the key role of strategic communications in the new global scenario.
In modern irregular warfare, the efficacy and the speed with which non-state actors communicate have changed. Western media, however, do not reach their target audiences rapidly enough or in an appropriate way.
As Dr Lochard highlighted, the new literacy acquired by adversaries, the role of social networks in shaping perceptions, the emergence of new media and threats from unknown virtual sources are impacting on strategic communication. To address these challenges, effective strategic communication should understand the audience’s requirements, investigate the causes of conflicts and take the new forms of media into consideration.
Dr Laity underscored the importance of perception in modern warfare as the key to success in the theatres where the Alliance is operating. In counterinsurgency contexts, the real battles are those fought to win the hearts and minds of local populations. That is why strategic communication is so crucial.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Roberta Lusardi, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN