DID YOU KNOW? DTIC has over 3.5 million final reports on DoD funded research, development, test, and evaluation activities available to our registered users. Click
HERE to register or log in.
Accession Number:
ADA576246
Title:
Is the Phone Mightier Than the Sword? Cell Phones and Insurgent Violence in Iraq
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Corporate Author:
PRINCETON UNIV NJ WOODROW WILSON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Report Date:
2012-01-07
Pagination or Media Count:
53.0
Abstract:
Does improved communication as provided by modern cell phone technology affect the production of violence during insurgencies Theoretical predictions are ambiguous. Introducing cell phones can enhance insurgent communications, but it can also make it easier for the population to share information with counterinsurgents, and it creates passive signals intelligence collection opportunities. We provide the first systematic test of the effect of cell phone communications on conflict using data on Iraqs cell phone network and event data on violence. We show that increased mobile communications reduced insurgent violence in Iraq, both at the district level and for specific local coverage areas.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE