Beyond Lawrence ethnographic intelligence for USSOCOM

Abstract

Ethnographic Intelligence (EI) is "information about indigenous forms of association, local means of organization, or traditional methods of mobilization" and the collection and processing of information regarding "ties built through kinship connections, tribal relationships, religious education, and other forms of normal, everyday association." This thesis describes how the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) can employ an organization of ethnographic sensors to develop and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships among target populations throughout the world to improve sociocultural understanding in support of USSOCOM, Geographic Combatant Commander, and Country Team objectives. This thesis also demonstrates why USSOCOM has the most to gain from supporting this low-cost, sustainable solution to redressing a gap in our current collection and analysis.