Sean F. Mulcahey

Changing Dynamics of Military Advantage in the Information Age Sean F. Mulcahey

The information revolution causes dramatic changes in the geopolitical environment, which result in new challenges to U. S. national security, particularly from a new form of global insurgency. The continued development and proliferation of information technology impacts the very nature of conflict and military competitive advantage. Can the U. S. expect to maintain its current unprecedented degree of military advantage in the information-age? This thesis examines this question using a qualitative research methodology. The research analyzes the impact of information technology on the geopolitical system, the nature of conflict, and the realm of military competition. Within this context, the research examines the changing nature of military advantage. Three elements of advantage are analyzed to determine qualitative changes that result from the changing conditions of the information-age. The elements are power, legitimacy, and effects. The research also includes a comparative analysis that seeks to determine how these changing conditions affect the ability of both the U. S. military and global insurgents to gain advantage. The research concludes that U. S. military advantage will decline relative to a global insurgency. As a result, the U. S. will face significant challenges in its effort to achieve lasting success in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).