Accession Number:

AD1069543

Title:

Thinking in Space: The Role of Geography in National Security Decision Making

Personal Author(s):

Corporate Author:

Naval War College Newport United States

Report Date:

2019-02-01

Abstract:

The ability to think in space is more than navigation, map-reading, or geographic literacy. Spatial reasoning is a key aspect of critical thinking and geography is a valuable tool for communicating critical thought. This study seeks to advance the conversation about how geographic information shapes operational and strategic decisions and how it sits at the junction of theories of geopolitics, the art and science of cartography and visualization, and the unique cartographic consciousness of the American national security establishment. The US government is punching below its weight when it comes to the use of geographic information in strategic analysis, policy making processes, and its communication of global policy. The tools, resources, and imperatives are all at hand to elevate the spatial thinking of those charged with securing the national interest. This challenge promises to grow only more daunting in an era of great power competition that will require new spatial thinking and relearned old thinking on a global scale.

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Pages:

0100

Communities Of Interest:

Modernization Areas:

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release;

File Size:

2.31MB