Saving Coalition Lives and Limbs: Disrupting the Improvised Explosive Device Network in Iraq With Center of Gravity Analysis and Social Network Viral

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Improvised explosive devices (IED) continue to inflict coalition casualties in Iraq, indicating the United States has not found an effective means of disrupting the IED network in that country. This thesis presents center of gravity (COG) analysis and social network viral targeting as a means of disrupting the IED network in Iraq. A COG is a physical or moral entity that is the primary component of physical and moral strength, power and resistance that allows victory in battles, operations, and wars. COG analysis identifies these COGs and their critical vulnerabilities that are susceptible to neutralization, degradation, or defeat. Social network viral targeting disrupts the human elements of networks by sowing social "viruses" such as animosity, disinformation, distrust, and humiliation.