Reflections on "The Battle of the Narrative" Workshop

Earlier this year, the Department of Defense approved the prospectus for drafting a military concept to shape the development of future capabilities titled, “The Human Aspects of Military Operations.” The concept prospectus recognizes recent U.S. military experiences and the importance of information and what it terms "the battle of the narrative.” This concept recommends developing the ability to: identify, understand, and influence actors; build trust with key actors and groups; draw on sources of legitimacy; and address popular grievances and counter adversary messaging.

Unfortunately, reinforcing the military’s current understanding of conflict narratives has proven costly and likely fuels narratives sustaining violence.  Contrasting the current approach, narrative conflict resolution recognizes conflict dynamics where narratives are mobilized to account for actions and consequences of actions for conflict parties and how narratives shape relationships between conflict parties. Therefore, in response to the prospectus, students of Professor Sara Cobb proposed a day long workshop introducing the concept writing team to alternative approaches to understanding narrative conflict dynamics.
To develop an understanding of alternatives to the “weaponization” of narratives by future military commanders and, if successful, influence the development of this military concept towards conflict resolution rather than escalation, the students proposed preparing an environment where a cross-section of knowledgeable practitioners participate in facilitated dialogue. Thanks to the tireless efforts of S-CAR students, the Center for Narrative and Conflict, and the Student Association of S-CAR sponsored a workshop, “the battle of the narrative” on November 18, 2014.

The workshop kicked off with a “Narrative and Conflict” world café asking participants to share a story from the last decade of war, where they were disappointed at our military’s approach to narratives and conflict. The conversations continued with discussion on what do we know so far about narratives and conflict and what we still need to learn about use of narratives in military operations.  Equipped with constructive possibilities developed in the world café, simultaneous focus groups examined tough, divisive issues around the themes of the use of imagery in narratives, narrative pathways, and the dynamics of counter-narratives. To end the day, the participants were invited back to a plenary session were they were led in a reflection of insights garnered throughout the day.

Insights included a recognition that the military does not own or control narratives and that there are a number of narratives present in conflicts that military does not recognize. Participants recognized that identifying, understanding, and engaging narratives requires a degree of expertise the military does not have and may need to be developed. Some participants voiced a realization that narratives are a reflection of identify and intent, provide context of the past and a vision of the future. Some participants voiced hesitation at engaging others’ narratives, as this opened the opportunity to challenge the military’s narrative.

The day’s event concluded with multiple participant invitations to carry on the dialogue. U.S. Special Operations Command invited the Center for Narrative and Conflict to continue the discussion at a follow-on workshop on November 19 and 20, 2014.  Additionally, the U.S. Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group invited the participants to form a working group to further examine the nature of narratives in conflict.