Cultural Intelligence - Cultural Intelligence in Government - Cultural Intelligence Throughout History

Cultural Intelligence Throughout History

Cultural intelligence has been widely used to support military operations throughout history and is not limited to the 21st century. Knowledge of ones adversary as a means to gain a military advantage has been sought by military leaders throughout history.

Herodotus and the Persian Empire. Written from the 450’s to the 420’s BC, The Histories by Herodotus, as it is known today, is the first work of its kind. Herodotus provides a record of the traditions, geography, politics, and military conflicts of the known cultures of that time. In this comprehensive analysis, Herodotus recounts the rise of the Persian Empire as well as the cause and specific events of the Persian Wars. One of the main points that Herodotus argues is that the culture of conquest developed by the Persians shaped their habits and view of the world that eventually lead to their downfall.

Sun Tzu. Over two millennia ago, Sun Tzu wrote, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Sun Tzu argued that understanding ones adversary was tantamount to success. The strongest of armies could not hold victory or even achieve victory without first fully understanding their opponent. Furthermore, Sun Tzu argued that complete knowledge of the enemy could bring victory without even engaging in battle. For Sun Tzu, knowledge of the enemy, their culture, military tactics, and geography was the key to winning a war without meeting in battle.

Napoleon and Spanish Resistance. The Peninsular War, fought for control of the Iberian Peninsula began when Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808. At the time of the invasion, he had given little thought to the challenges of occupying the country. By ousting the Spanish Royal family for failing to support his Continental System, Napoleon believed he would be able to occupy the entire country. However, his conventional battle plan and lack of intelligence concerning strength of the central power, the peoples attitudes, and the institutions they relied upon resulted in a conflict he was not prepared for.

The lack of influence the central Spanish government held over the citizenry was limited enough that simply removing the monarchy was not enough to bring the citizens into submission. Similarly, the French did not account for the Spaniards experience in smuggling and skirmishes that proved useful to them in the guerrilla warfare that followed Napoleon’s invasion. Despite his superior military force, Napoleon’s lack of cultural intelligence prevented him from gaining victory.