How To Start A War: Eight Cases of Strategic Provocation

Authors

  • JD Maddox Adjunct Professor Department of Information Sciences & Technology George Mason University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/G8ncetp.v3.1.2016.601

Keywords:

media, narrative, strategic narrative, propaganda, messaging, war, provocation, strategic communication,

Abstract

A leader intent on starting a war must develop a compelling narrative for their domestic constituency and the international community.à For some, strategic provocation ââ¬â defined here as the use of deceptive tactics to instigate violence against one's own state ââ¬â has been a reliable means of initiating war under the guise of self-defense. Eight cases of strategic provocation reveal a basic pattern of its use, and some possibly unwelcome truths about state leaders' methods.à As international institutions increasingly scrutinize states' interventionist agendas, the use of deceptive narratives is likely to continue. Despite known indicators of strategic provocation operations, warning of such operations has not typically prevented warfare.

Author Biography

JD Maddox, Adjunct Professor Department of Information Sciences & Technology George Mason University

J. D. Maddox is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at George Mason University. He teaches a graduate course titled "National Security Challenges."

Professor Maddox holds an M.A. from Georgetown Universityââ¬â¢s National Security Studies Program and a B.A. in philosophy and history of science from St. Johnââ¬â¢s College, Annapolis.

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Published

2016-05-26

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1

Section

Articles