Social Media in countering cross-border threats; emphazising the opportunities that exist to prevent threats from crossing borders

1. GEORGE C. MARSHALL CENTER
College of International and Security Studies
Garmisch – Partenkirchen, Germany
LTC ULRICH M. JANSSEN M.SC.
Program Manager
Email: ulrich.janssen@marshallcenter.org
LinkedIn: Ulrich Janßen
Twitter: @UliJanOgau
Phone: +49-8821-750-2658 · DSN 440-2658

2. Social Media in Countering Cross-Border Threats
Dushanbe, 7 December 2015
3RD ANNUAL CROSS-BORDER RESEARCH
CONFERENCE

3. Factors for emerging Cross-Border Threats
• an increase in poverty and its associated problems, such as increased
migration flows, including illegal immigration and human trafficking;
• the internationalization or globalization of terrorism and ethnic conflicts;
• the development of different types of criminal activities, particularly drug
trafficking and cross-border arms transfer;
• the emergence of underground shadow economies or gray markets with
illegal capital flow and money laundering operations;
• the use of advanced information technology, Internet, and social media
networks as tools to recruit or indoctrinate new followers of destructive
ideologies;
• the illegal transfer of lethal weapons on global scale;
• the widespread violation of national sovereignty by some regional and
global powers, including the United States;
• the impacts of climate change and global warming on water and food
security and the ensuing regional and global crises.
http://carnegieendowment.org/
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6. Information · Foundation of Power and Influence
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7. Information · Multiple Characteristics
“One cannot not communicate.” (Watzlawick/Beavin/Jackson, 1967)
All doing or not doing, if perceived, has informative effect(s).
Exchange of information is fundamental to human / social behaviour.
Exchange of information key to conflict as well as to conflict resolution.
Basis of all planning and decision making processes.
Data – “In-formation” – Knowledge – Decision – C2 – Execution – Reports –
Control – Assessment
Target of own / adversary operations.
Information itself
Information flow / exchange
Information Systems
Information is a means to achieve an effect (i.e. “weapon”)
Usage highly dependent on Information Technology.
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8. global / overarching / multi-facetted
no physical
boundaries
diverse
infrastructure
Means available
to everyone opportunity to
act anonymously
intended or unintended effects?
compliance with
legal norms
difficult to
enforce
high dynamics
of technical
developments
Information Environment
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9. Influencing Behaviour · Scope of Options
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11. Inspirational
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12. Social Media · What it is
What is SOCIAL?
Interaction of people
Networking and networks
What is MEDIA?
A medium to store and exchange content, i.e. information
Letter, telephone, fax… one to one
Newspaper, discs, tape, radio, tv … one to many
Youtube, facebook, twitter & Co… many to many
21st Century Meaning
Revolution in Information Technology
Enhanced Connectivity (Socialization)
RAPIDLY exchange information, views, opinions
Around the world and in near real-time (citizen journalism; netizans)
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14. The Power of Social Media
Why do people turn to social media when in need?
Bandwidth – I can reach unlimited numbers.
Response – my network wants to respond.
Power – my contributions make an impact.
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www.healthysimulation.com

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20. Options for Security Forces
Information gathering (passive)
 Collect direct content, structure data (in-formation)
 Crisis reporting (active)
– 5W – Who, Where, When, What & Why
 Evaluate, assess direct content  create indirect content
Integration in Comprehensive Crisis Communications Planning
 Active (engage)
 Passive (observe, listen, monitor, track)
 Engage … and get feedback
– Audience..?
– Effective..?
Measurement of Effect and Effectiveness
“Sharing information is a responsibility rather than a risk.”
General Abrial, SACT, Jul 2010
Low cost, high value
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21. SWOT Analysis
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22. Risk vs. Threat Assessment & Mitigation
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Risk = f(Will, Understanding, Capabilities)
Threat = Risk x Opportunities

23. ISIL‘s Global Strategy, Nov 2015
Source: Institute for the Studies of War (ISW), Washington DC, USA
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25. Requirements
Policy & Strategy
DOTMLPFI
Resources
 People
– Bravery, courage, engagement, enthusiasm
 Time
 Room (infrastructures)
 $$$
Trust & Empowerment
Education & Training
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Doctrine
Organization
Training
Materiel
Leadership Development
Personnel
Facilities
Interoperability.

26. Goals
 Build / improve organisational presence across social channels
 Build / increase awareness of the organisation
 Improve reputation of the organisation
 Improve relationship with stakeholders
 Increase positive feelings / sentiments about the organisation
 Develop relationship for future partnership building
 Increase traffic to your “landing” website
 Improve internal communications
 Improve cross-departmental collaboration
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27. Winning the Information Battle
Successful
Consistent
Credible
Communications by ALL means
Comprehensive
Coordinated
Cooperative
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28. Social Media in Countering Cross-Border Threats
Dushanbe, 9 December 2015
3RD ANNUAL CROSS-BORDER RESEARCH
CONFERENCE