The “motivated bias” dilemma in warfare and intelligence |
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Authors: | Matthew H Wahlert |
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Institution: | Department of Political Science , Miami University , 218 Harrison Hall, Oxford , OH , 45056 , USA |
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Abstract: | The goal of this article is to challenge the assumption of rationality in the behavior of decision-making units involved in security, defense, intelligence and warfare and to consider the influence of “motivated bias” in such instances. A review of motivational literature within international politics and a discussion of literature applying “motivated biases” to warfare and strategic surprise will offer an alternative view of the primacy of rationality in such decisions. |
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Keywords: | motivated bias rationality wishful thinking intelligence failures strategic surprise |
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