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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 1
Publication Date: January 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/assrj.111.16262.
Putra, G. A., Wirajuda, M. H., & Risman, H. (2024). Psychological Warfare as a Driving Factor in the Development of Military Strategy
During the Gulf War 1990-1991. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(1). 97-106.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Psychological Warfare as a Driving Factor in the Development of
Military Strategy During the Gulf War 1990-1991
Galih Adi Putra
Republic of Indonesia Defense University
Muhammad Hadianto Wirajuda
Republic of Indonesia Defense University
Helda Risman
Republic of Indonesia Defense University
ABSTRACT
This research explores the pivotal role of psychological warfare during the Gulf War
(1990-1991), unraveling its transformative impact on the conflict's psychological
landscape. It aims to analyze the psychological warfare conducted by the US
coalition to create favorable conditions for a major war, and the outputs of
psychological warfare contribute as a driving factor in developing military strategy.
The study employs literature studies by collecting data from historical documents
and scholarly works. Propaganda, Deception, and Information Warfare emerge as
adaptive tools within the evolving media landscape. Psychological operations
strategically disrupt communication and influence perceptions by targeting both
Enemy and Allied Forces. The study demonstrates the psychological impacts on
military strategy through High-Level Decision-Making and the Integration of
Psychological Factors into Strategic Planning. Military strategies exhibit
adaptability through Flexible Tactics and Targeted Operations, dynamically
responding to psychological outcomes. Communication and coordination, both
within intelligence agencies and among allied forces, amplify the impact of
psychological warfare by seamlessly integrating psychological strategies into
broader military campaigns.
Keywords: Gulf War, Military Strategy, Psychological Warfare
INTRODUCTION
The Gulf War began in 1990 when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, citing
historical claims and economic grievances. The invasion aimed to control Kuwait's oil reserves
and production facilities. Iraqi forces targeted Kuwaiti citizens and foreign nationals, using
hostages for propaganda. The international community, led by the United States, responded
with diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions, but these failed to persuade Iraq to withdraw
[1][2][3].
Resolution 660 and Resolution 678 authorized the use of force, leading to Operation Desert
Shield, a crucial air campaign launched on January 17, 1991. Operation Desert Storm followed,
employing precision airstrikes and advanced technology to weaken Iraq's military
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 1, January-2024
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
infrastructure. The coalition's success paved the way for Operation Desert Sabre, the ground
offensive that liberated Kuwait by February 28, 1991 [4].
The ceasefire marked the formal end of active combat, with diplomatic negotiations ensuring
Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait. Economic sanctions persisted, hindering Iraq's military
rebuilding. The post-ceasefire period involves international efforts to rebuild Kuwait. Military
disparities between the coalition and Iraq, including technological, logistical, and strategic
aspects, played a decisive role in the conflict's outcome [5][6].
While psychological warfare, particularly psyops, influenced the coalition's victory, there is a
research gap regarding its specific impact on military strategy. This study aims to fill that gap
by analyzing psychological warfare in the Gulf War, exploring tactics, and assessing its
contribution to overall coalition success. The findings could enhance understanding and inform
future military engagements, emphasizing the importance of psychological operations in
shaping military strategy and achieving victory. The researcher proposes further exploration
of this research gap under the title "Psychological Warfare as a Driving Factor in The
Development of Military Strategy During the Gulf War 1990-1991."
RESEARCH METHODS
In employing a qualitative methodology, this research delves into the role of psychological
warfare tactics used by the U.S. military during the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Utilizing descriptive
qualitative research principles, the study focuses on non-numerical data, including interviews
and historical documents, to gain insights into psychological warfare's impact on military
strategy [7][8]. A case study approach investigates the implementation and effects of
psychological warfare tactics. Data collection involves archival research, document analysis,
and purposive sampling of expert interviews, facilitating a thorough exploration of the subject
[9][10]. The research subject centers on Psychological Warfare Tactics during the Gulf War,
with specific data gathered from selected experts. To ensure data validity, triangulation is
employed through method and source triangulation [11]. The Fishbone analysis method is
utilized for structured root cause analysis, categorizing factors influencing psychological
warfare's role in shaping military strategy and achieving victory [12]. This integrated
methodology aims to unravel the complexities surrounding psychological warfare in the Gulf
War, providing a nuanced understanding of its strategic impact.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theoretical Framework
In this research, the researcher employs theoretical and conceptual foundations to support
discussions, as commonly applied in qualitative research within academic circles [13]. Utilize
literature and various sources, relevant theories such as strategy, psychological warfare, and
major conflict are applied to construct contextual understanding and analytical frameworks for
exploring phenomena and data analysis.
Strategy:
Strategy, a central concept in military theory and practice, encompasses planning, decision- making, and execution of military operations [14]. Components such as moral, physical,
mathematical, geographical, and statistical elements, as outlined by Bowdish, form the