WHAT ABOUT CULTURE? THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE IN THE STRATEGIC-POLITICAL AND THE TACTICAL-OPERATIONAL LEVELS IN BUNDESWEHR OPERATIONS ABROAD
WHAT ABOUT CULTURE? THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE IN THE STRATEGIC-POLITICAL AND THE TACTICAL-OPERATIONAL LEVELS IN BUNDESWEHR OPERATIONS ABROAD

Summary/Abstract: In the past, the cultural dimension of operations abroad either went largely unnoticed or was examined with regard to specific topical aspects. The central issues of analyses were, for instance, intercultural training at domestic military bases, interaction with the local population in the theater, or the coincidence of quite diverse military cultures in multinational units. Based on an evaluation of pertinent literature and my own field research, this article seeks to take another look at the correlation between culture and operations abroad. Using the operation in Afghanistan as an example, it analyzes the claim that a profound reflection on the role of the local culture in the field is necessary and should be of central importance to individual soldiers and to commanders, and should also be recognized at the politico-strategic level at home.

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