When other conventional channels are disrupted, the Internet can be the only available means of communication into and out of the affected areas. Internet messages originating within regions under authoritarian control could provide other useful intelligence. Public messages conveying information about the intent of overseas groups prone to disrupting U.S. military operations can provide important counterintelligence. The Internet could also be used offensively as an additional medium in psychological operations campaigns and to help achieve unconventional warfare objectives.
Predictor: Swett, Charles
Prediction, in context:In his 1994 report for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Charles Swett, assistant for strategic assessment, makes the following statement in regard to policy planning: ”During larger scale conflicts, when other conventional channels are disrupted, the Internet can be the only available means of communication into and out of the affected areas. Internet messages originating within regions under authoritarian control could provide other useful intelligence. Public messages conveying information about the intent of overseas groups prone to disrupting U.S. military operations can provide important counterintelligence. The Internet could also be used offensively as an additional medium in psychological operations campaigns and to help achieve unconventional warfare objectives. Used creatively as an integral asset, the Internet can facilitate many DoD [Department of Defense] operations and activities.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics
Subtopic: Peacekeeping/Warfare
Name of publication: Strategic Assessment
Title, headline, chapter name: Strategic Assessment: The Internet
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.fas.org/cp/swett.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Jagrup, Shavanna