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Original Articles
Innovation Inhibitors in War: Overcoming Obstacles in the Pursuit of Military Effectiveness
- DOI:
- 10.1080/01402390.2014.917628
pages 467-499
- Published online: 24 Jul 2014
Abstract
What explains the pace at which militaries adopt new technology? We argue that the hierarchical structure and unique expertise requirements of military organizations combine to empower select individuals as ‘gatekeepers’ of innovation. These individuals acquire beliefs throughout their military careers regarding the nature and means of warfare that act to shape their attitudes towards new military innovations. By filtering, sidelining, and ignoring competing sources of advice and information, these officers actively inhibit the adoption of new, often advantageous, innovations. We develop this argument through the analysis of two cases: the delayed acquisition of breech-loading and repeating rifles by the Union Army during the American Civil War, and the failure of the US Army to adopt an adequate heavy-type tank in World War II.
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- Published online: 24 Jul 2014
Author affiliations
- a George Washington University and National Defense University, Washington DC, USA
- b George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
Author biographies
Adam Jungdahl is a PhD candidate in the Political Science Department at George Washington University and a Research Associate in the Office of Academic Affairs at the National Defense University. His research focuses on the diffusion of military innovations across international borders and the influence of technology on national security strategy, civil-military relations, and military effectiveness. Adam holds an MA in International Relations from George Washington University and a BA in History and Political Science from Miami University.
Julia Macdonald is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the George Washington University and a PhD Candidate-in-Residence at the Elliot School of International Affairs’ Institute for Security and Conflict studies. Julia’s research focuses on signaling and threat credibility during crises and explores the importance of varying domestic political environments in shaping leaders’ assessments of threat. Julia holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a BA(Hons) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
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