Improving nonlethal targeting: a social network analysis method for military planners
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Authors
Brown, Jason C.
Subjects
Information Operations
deception
nonlethal strategies
simulation
network
fragmentation
information diffusion
intelligence
targeting
social network analysis
influence
deception
nonlethal strategies
simulation
network
fragmentation
information diffusion
intelligence
targeting
social network analysis
influence
Advisors
Roberts, Nancy
Everton, Sean
Date of Issue
2018-12
Date
Dec-12
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Nonlethal strategies are an essential part in the military targeting process to defeat and disrupt terrorist and insurgent networks. The majority of nonlethal options of military power come through Information Operations, including the use of deception. This thesis explores how a deception plan against a terrorist network can be informed and prepared using social network analysis methods. Selecting targets that fragment the network becomes the object of the deception, whereas the actual targets of deception are individuals who are connected to these fragmentation nodes. A simulation of how information diffuses through the network helps identify how rapidly and how far a misinformation message might spread. Social network analysis also shows where intelligence collection might be incorporated to provide feedback about the success of message dissemination and the deception effort.
Type
Thesis
Description
Outstanding Thesis
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
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.