Strategisk kommunikasjon som redskap i krisehåndtering

This report is written as part of the FFI project «Military Information Operations», and concludes that strategic communication can be a significant resource for the Norwegian Military Forces in crisis management. The political ambition of the Norwegian Government is to strengthen the crisis management and war and conflict prevention capabilities of the Norwegian Military Forces. Strategic communication has proved to be an important contributor to counter insurgency missions in international operations. Strategic communication has the potential to play an equally important role in crisis management and war and conflict prevention. The globalized world opens up a wide range of new strategic communication opportunities and challenges. In particular, for a small state like Norway, strategic communication can add value to military operations. NATO has for a long time utilized strategic communication in its operations worldwide. As a NATO-member, Norway is obliged to abide by Nato’s policy on strategic communication, and it is therefore important that strategic communication is integrated into the military planning processes as well. To that end, and in order to succeed, the perspectives of what strategic communication entails in a globalized world, should be renewed. In a potential conflict, the real power might lie in our ability to utilize diplomacy, creativity, international justice and legitimacy, rather than traditional kinetic military power. Moreover, due to the complexity of the globalized world, a comprehensive approach is needed, including the use of a variety of means like diplomatic, information, economy and military. FFI has identified a few challenges and opportunities related to strategic communication from a Norwegian perspective. The first challenge is connected to what the term “influence” entails in the area of strategic communication. In Norway, the term has rather negative connotations and is often associated with propaganda. Another challenge is propelled by globalization, where targets move quickly, information flows non-stop and the word spreads fast. To keep up with the pace of information flow, the use of digital tools and platforms are required. FFI has also identified the utility of digital tools to measure effect of information campaigns in military operations. Looking to the organizational aspects, we have identified two challenges; one is related to the sustainability and growth of intellectual capital in the area of strategic communication and the other is related to improved cross-governmental cooperation. In order to stimulate intellectual capital development, we recommend that military exercises integrate strategic communication to a greater extent than has been done thus far. Finally, our report underscores a further need for research on military non-kinetic use of power and how strategic communication can improve crisis management and war and conflict prevention.