Strategic Blind Spots in Modern Conflict
TOPIC SPONSOR: JSOU
Blind spots, or the inability to see something clearly despite evidence, can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from inherent or learned biases to preconceived notions and “mirror imaging” (seeing ourselves in the “other”). Are there useful methods of blind spot analysis that could be utilized to uncover obsolete, incomplete, or incorrect assumptions? What role do historical case studies play in overcoming blind spots? How can the study of lessons learned from recent operations provide valuable insights to help the DoD avoid these pitfalls?
-
Flatley, Col. Joshua M., "Strategic Blind Spots," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2024, 31 pgs.
-
Hedberg, Maj. Anders, "The Dieppe Raid: Foundation for Combined Operations in WWII," ACSC Elective Paper (WWII and the Operational Art), 2020, 21 pgs.
-
Litz, Lt. Col. Nathan A., "Avoiding Accepted Blind Spots in Strategic Assessment," GCPME thesis, 2023, 40 pgs.
-
Nelson, Maj. Erik C., "The Short War Expectation: German Perceptions and Cognitive Mechanisms Leading into World War I," SAASS thesis, 2023, 96 pgs.