ABSTRACT
How do we assess the short-and long-term ramifications of our actions in cultures different from our own? We require input from multiple and disparate sources for understanding the dynamics of such complex environments. These multiple sources can yield large amounts of data and drive the need for frameworks that support defensible assessments that help reduce data bias while increasing decision making transparency. The framework described in this paper employed multiple data sources feeding qualitative, quantitative, and computational models, methods, and tools supporting a nation-state-level strategic analysis. The result was a set of prioritized actions to meet operational objectives. Perhaps more important, however, were the observations made along the way about the capacity of United States and/or coalition staff to perfonn such assessments in cunent operational environments.
