Strategic Culture: YPFP Hosts Dr. Kerry Kartchner with the Defense Reduction Agency

Summary by Debie Waggoner
How Well Do We Understand and Utilize our Knowledge of Cultures?

Although the topic was “Challenges of International Security and Non-proliferation”, Kartchner focused primarily on the notion of “strategic culture.” To most of those in the room, the term strategic culture was new, but it is basically what it sounds like: utilizing understanding of a culture for strategic purposes. Sounds simple, but we Americans tend to be clueless about other cultures; this lack of understanding seriously hampered the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but could help us better understand the actions of the Iranian leadership.

First, one must understand a state or region’s culture—its common historical narrative pulled from its religion, historical defeats and victories, traditional beliefs and practices that separate it from other states or regions. Those in the diplomatic sphere will use their understanding of a culture strategically in order to facilitate successful diplomatic interaction. The military experts will use their understanding of a culture strategically to ensure their troops are able to use this information for bettering relations with locals and perhaps even use this information to outfox their enemies. As Kartchner stated, “Strategic culture does not predict, but it helps provide context and understanding of identity, values, perceptions that can serve those making decisions.”

Kartchner touched on non-proliferation primarily as it relates to Iran. He said that deterrence will not work with Iran, but that their capabilities must be limited, its enemies should build an alliance, and pre-emptive strikes should be considered. (What?!)

Why the extreme viewpoint? According to Kartchner, Iranian Shia Muslims believe that the end of the world is nigh and that Iran is likely going to be the “one” to get it all started. An Armaggedon-like war will engulf the world; Iran (Persia) will emerge victorious and the Twelfth Caliph and Jesus Christ will come back to earth. Kartchner asked, “How does anyone deter a nation whose leaders believe this and are basically touting their desire to start an Armageddon because it was foretold?” Kartchner referred to a letter sent by Ahmadinejad to President G.W. Bush in 2006 telling him that all the world should convert to Islam and its problems will be resolved. If not, then the wrath of God will be upon those who do not. Of course, his letter was ignored—but it clearly indicates that Ahmadinejad is going to be a very difficult leader to reason with and all evidence points to him becoming increasingly radical. I had never heard this narrative on Shia Islam before and naturally find it shocking and alarming.

This was Kartchner’s main point—if we do not understand all the aspects that motivate those in power, we cannot hope to find solutions or have any idea what move the other might make next.