Human consciousness key in soft power, hard power, smart power

(This article also appears on the Joint Recon Study Group site.)

When recent news reports explained that a U.S. intelligence operative in Afghanistan had provided Viagra to an older tribal and community leader who had several younger wives, the story triggered humor and insight about working closely with indigenous populations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere.

Although our terminology of "soft power" and "hard power" might be paradoxical in this particular case, we can see that interacting with indigenous people so that they may consider being friends of the U.S. instead of enemies can be approached in various ways, conventional and unconventional.

U.S. culture, resources and policies are part of the mix when exerting soft power and hard power. Much discussion about soft power, hard power and smart power focuses on macro elements such as national diplomacy, U.S. international policies and military activities.

However, in the micro experience of troops, "human terrain" personnel and intelligence operatives on the ground, a different set of considerations may come into play.

Merging hard power and soft power in a seamless way into smart power is a different matter when dealing face to face with communities, community leaders, tribes, families, parents and children.

The U.S. Army Special Forces has long been a leader in cultural awareness, training activities and building rapport with indigenous people. More recently, the Army's Human Terrain System (HTS) and Human Terrain Teams (HTT) have tried to focus on cultural and sociological elements in current efforts overseas.

CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE

Communicating with other people can be challenging, especially when there are language and cultural obstacles, as well as a dangerous environment. To reach people, sometimes nonverbal communication and behavior speaks volumes.

In addition, we are learning that the psychology, emotions and consciousness that affect behavior are being re-evaluated in certain leading-edge research.

What goes on in the human mind and human heart remain mysterious in important ways.

In some societies and cultures, spiritual and religious beliefs and traditions are very influential. In these cases, consciousness is linked to the beliefs and traditions. The belief that a Creator is real and is affecting our lives, and that it is desirable to get closer to this Creator, are basic aspects of many faiths.

In these scenarios, people often believe that through prayer, meditation or other methods, a personal connection with a Creator and/or other levels of awareness can be established and enhanced. In other words, it might be believed that our individual and group consciousness can achieve a connection with the Creator's consciousness or some elements of it. This common denominator among people can be optimized.

As we know, in times past as well as today, structured religion can sometimes drive people apart and even lead to violence. Some people seem to misunderstand and misrepresent many aspects of traditional spiritual teachings and insights.

However, by addressing this issue closer to the heart of the matter – deeper human consciousness – it may be possible to bypass these obstacles and connect with people in more effective ways.

DEPLOYING CONSCIOUSNESS SMART POWER

Is research and development into the understanding of consciousness a legitimate avenue when enhancing soft power and hard power resources?

If we interpret the term "human consciousness" to mean psychology, emotions, thoughts, dreams, beliefs, relationships and social networks, cultural influences, education and information acquisition, perception, imagination, creativity, mental health and similar kinds of characteristics, then the answer is yes – consciousness R&D as well as its deployment may be helpful.

Is understanding more about human consciousness part the concept sometimes referred to as "transcendent warfare?"

Yes. The term transcendent warfare was used by a Navy SEAL officer several years ago in a graduate-level paper at the Marine Corps War College in reference to utilizing and optimizing emerging and leading-edge research about human consciousness.

Development and deployment of smart power (the appropriate mix of hard power, soft power and other approaches) as well as common sense seem to indicate that human consciousness is an area that has potential.

Whether we consider the macro level of international relations or the micro level of boots on the ground in faraway places, human consciousness appears to be a worthwhile focus area.

This is also true domestically in the U.S. and in other societies. Human beings are becoming more educated and more aware. We are developing as individuals, groups and nations in ways that, though challenging, hold great promise.

If we are to revive our economies, our educational systems and other elements of our societies, creating more justice, progress and prosperity, then we probably want to address underlying aspects of the human being.

By focusing on human consciousness, we may find the answers to many questions as well as solutions to the difficult problems we face.

NOTE TO READERS: For more information, click here to visit the Joint Recon Study Group and Transcendent TV & Media sites and have a look around.

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