Info OPs in Iraq and Syria
Question (S3): What must the coalition do in the information environment to achieve its objectives in Iraq and Syria and how can it deny adversaries the ability to achieve theirs? Author | Editor: Spitaletta, J. (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory). The following set of responses to Question S3 represent an attempt to distill the […]
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Mosul Coalition Fragmentation
Mosul Coalition Fragmentation: Causes and Effects. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc) & Krakar, J. (TRADOC G-27). This paper assesses the potential causes and effects of fragmentation on the Counter-ISIL coalition. This coalition consists of three distinct but interrelated subsets: the CJTF-OIR coalition; the regional coalition, de facto allies of convenience, who may provide […]
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Socio-Political Stability in Syria and Iraq
Options to Facilitate Socio-Political Stability in Syria and Iraq. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc) & Cabayan, H. (Joint Staff). This White Paper presents the analytic results from Strategic Multi-layer Assessment (SMA) project touching on the Middle East and North Africa. The objective is to suggest options to manage conflict in the region and […]
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Demystifying the Gray Zone: Colombia, 2002-Present
Demystifying Gray Zone Conflict: A Typology of Conflict Dyads and Instruments of Power in Colombia, 2002-present. Author | Editor: Koven, B. (University of Maryland, START). This case study elucidates the dynamics of Gray Zone conflict with particular emphasis on the role of non- state actors. It does so through a detailed examination of the most […]
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Demystifying the Gray Zone: Libya, 2014‐Present
Demystifying Gray Zone Conflict: A Typology of Conflict Dyads and Instruments of Power in Libya, 2014‐Present. Author | Editor: Gabriel, R. & Johns, M. (University of Maryland, START). This case study is intended to highlight the dynamics of Gray Zone conflict in Libya since 2014. It places specific emphasis on the roles of non‐state actors […]
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Saudi-Iranian Gray Zone Competition in MENA
Examinations of Saudi-Iranian Gray Zone Competition in MENA, and of Potential Outcomes of the Flow of Foreign Fighters to the United States. Author | Editor: Capps, R., Ellis, D. & Wilkenfeld, J. (University of Maryland, START). The United States is regularly challenged by the actions of states and non-state actors in the nebulous, confusing, and […]
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Understand and Respond to Contemporary Russia
Finland, After ‘hybrid warfare’, what next? – Understanding and responding to contemporary Russia. Author | Editor: Bettina Renz ja Hanna Smith (Office of the Prime Minister of Finland). More than two years after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the West continues coming to terms with the implications of this event. As discussed by the project’s the […]
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Counter-Da’esh Influence Operations
Counter-Da’esh Influence Operations: Cognitive Space Narrative Simulation Insights. Author | Editor: Linera, R. LTC, Seese, G. MAJ (USASOC) & Canna, S (NSI, Inc). At the request of Joint Staff/J-39, the SMA program, in coordination with United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), participated in a second Counter-Da’esh Messaging […]
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Part IV: Results of 5 of 8 Conflicts in Iraqi-Syria
Part IV: Analysis of the Dynamics of Near East Futures: Assessing Actor Interests, Resolve and Capability in 5 of the 8 Regional Conflicts. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). This briefing is the final part of a four-part study exploring the dynamics of the central Middle East conflict system. Part II describes the system […]
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Part III: Use Case Analysis of Iraqi-Syrian Conflict
Unpacking the Regional Conflict System surrounding Iraq and Syria—Part III: Implications for the Regional Future: Syria Example of Actor Interests, Resolve and Capabilities Analysis. Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). This is Part III of a larger study exploring the dynamics of the central Middle East conflict system. Part I described the system and […]
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