Video 5/7 Observations: “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace”

Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice Video 5/7 Observations: “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace” This video clip continues to focus on the cartel’s “psychological dominance of the battle space”; a counterinsurgency term noted in a book, “Notes of a Counterinsurgent”. What is “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace”? “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace” refers to an insurgent’s ability to exercise control over a populated area by real, or perceived, force or control- namely fear and intimidation. By controlling perceptions, you control the people. Perception shapes their reality. So regardless of the successes the Mexican government touts, their efforts are useless if the Government is unable to influence the environment to make perceptions lean toward their favor. While there is debate as to whether the cartels fall under the insurgent paradigm, there are many similarities. The most critical similarity is that control over a population gives the threat its freedom of movement, logistics support, information to conduct their operations and protect their interests. Some Indicators of “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace” In this clip, we see that security forces do not even feel safe, as they must cover their faces to protect themselves and/or their loved ones. Go 52 seconds into the video and watchers can observe something is occurring in the background while the BBC reporter and crew are unwitting. In the background you will see three women walking with a small child behind the camera crew. You will see one lady wearing a blue top cover her face. A moment later, a lady wearing a maroon top follows suit and covers her face. This observation begs questions regarding to how safe the people really feel in Mexico. Why did the women cover their faces? Did they have something to fear? Did they have something to hide? Are they ashamed of being on camera? Are they supporters of the cartels? Are they afraid they will be targeted by the cartels? This all occurred while armed government forces and BBC reporters passed by. Regardless, this is an indicator the cartels have psychological control over the local environment. Reinforcing or Disrupting “Psychological Dominance of the Battlespace” What helps to reinforce the cartel’s grip on the local environment is in debate. The Mexican government blames the US desire for drugs and weapon sales as the reason for the cartels influence. However, one gun salesman on the US side notes that the cartel would not be such a problem if local citizens were allowed to be armed so they can fight back. The gun salesman makes another valid point in that criminals will obtain guns regardless of the law; it is the innocent law-abiding citizen who is unarmed. Considering the police and other government officials are tainted themselves, allowing Mexicans to have easier access to arms may even the playing field somewhat. It may also embolden a countermovement. While this is a very dangerous concept to consider, the security, economic and political apparatus has been penetrated, infiltrated and exploited by the cartels for their own use. Entrenchment continues to make them stronger. Empowering the people to fight for their own government should not be totally excluded. This has met some success in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Until Mexicans are able to better arm themselves against cartels and security and government officials, they will continue to fall victim. There is approximately 2000 miles of border and approximately 1.4 billion dollars dumped into the Mexico via the US, and the problem does not seem to be under control yet. Who is to say that that some of that US money is not leaking about to cartel members who penetrated the government? We, the US, had such problems in Iraq.