Oct. 19, 2017

Module 1: Introduction to Illicit Power and the Problem of Convergence – Definitions, Objectives, and Taxonomy

Module 1 provides an orientation to the problem. It does so by introducing the concepts of “Convergence” and “Illicit Power,” the implications for national sovereignty and security, and overarching insights from the totality of the research.

Oct. 18, 2017

Module 2: Peace Matters: The Impact of Peace Agreements and Political Accords on Illicit Power – Why is this an operational problem?

By comparing case studies from Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, and including a prospective look at Colombia, this module highlights one of the enduring insights from Impunity – that peace agreements and political settlements directly impact our ability to contain the rise of illicit power in a post-conflict environment. A critical learning objective is to create a bridge between policy and implementation. Discussions should center around the impact of peace agreements on every level of operations, how such strategic accords fit in the analysis of the operational environment, and how implementers can identify the ways in which agreements and settlements themselves create risk. During beta testing of the model syllabus, this module proved to be the most popular among JPME students as it was the least well-understood prior to instruction.

Oct. 17, 2017

Module 3: Understanding the Operational Environment and the Intelligence Challenge

This module addresses another of the enduring insights from Impunity – the persistent failure of the U.S. and its international partners to understand the operational environment in which illicit powers structures arise and thrive. Building on Module 1, Module 3 offers several frameworks for analysis, suggestions for how to adapt commonly used doctrinal frameworks, and case studies that illustrate the value of open source intelligence and publicly available information. Multiple case studies are available to facilitate wide-ranging discussion, but the module outline focuses on the Odessa Network in particular, as an example of end-to-end analysis.

Oct. 16, 2017

Module 4: Capacity Building, Institutional Development, and Accountability

Module 4 focuses on capacity building, to include security sector reform and security sector governance, and look at the enduring lessons from both US and international security assistance efforts around the world. Discussions should cover overlooked challenges in effective monitoring and evaluation of capacity, and include consideration of enduring insights from both pre-and post-conflict stabilization; capacity building issues and planning for accountability and anti-corruption.

Oct. 11, 2017

Module 5: Countering Illicit Power in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations

Module 5 is not a traditional teaching module in the sense that the others are but it can easily be adapted to become one. It consists of an e-guide to countering illicit power in HADR operations and its utility as a planning and implementation template. The e-guide was developed as a distance learning tool that can be converted to a platform lecture, panel presentation, or used as a checklist in scenario based, HADR tabletop exercises.

Oct. 10, 2017

Module 6: Planning and Prioritization

The purpose of Module 6 is to provide students with additional readings and perspectives that knit together the themes and lessons from the previous five modules. This is not a structured lecture, but rather an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and their implications for future operations.

Oct. 9, 2017

Module 7: Applied Learning

During the test and evaluation process, all formats, except for the one-day seminar, concluded with an applied learning exercise that reinforced the concepts and learning that had taken place. Ultimately, two options proved to be the most effective.