Dehumanization and irregular warfare

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Authors
Ford, Alexander S.
Subjects
Dehumanization
Irregular Warfare
Population-Centric Warfare
Influencing.
Advisors
Simons, Anna
Date of Issue
2013-06
Date
Jun-13
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
In the current global environment the practice of dehumanizationthe stripping away of common attributes among people that call for respect and constrain violenceand the misperception it creates have resulted in misguided attempts by militaries to influence the center of gravity in irregular warfare, the civilian population. Traditional thought in this matter implies that cultural training is the most important factor in creating more effective influence when dealing in irregular warfare scenarios. By examining dehumanization and the factors that cause it in irregular warfare environments, this thesis will provide a framework for how dehumanization impacts influence operations. My analysis seeks to explain how dehumanization occurs and how it can be prevented, thereby setting necessary conditions for effective population influence.
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Thesis
Description
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/34664
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Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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