Report examines how the Broadcasting Board of Governors determined which language services, managed by the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), should be proposed for reduction or termination and the extent to which local media conditions are considered before a termination proposal is made.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has spent at least $10 billion on communication efforts designed to advance the strategic interests of the U.S. However, foreign public opinion polling data shows that negative views towards the U.S. persist despite the collective efforts to counteract them by the State Dept., Broadcasting Board of Governors, U.S. Agency for International Development, Dept. of Defense, and other U.S. government agencies. Based on the significant role U.S. strategic communication and public diplomacy efforts can play in promoting U.S. national security objectives, such as countering ideological support for violent extremism, they are being highlighted as an urgent issue for the new admin. and Congress.

To succeed, we must understand the United States is engaged in a generational and global struggle about ideas, not a war between the West and Islam. It is more than a war against the tactics of terrorism. We must think in terms of global networks, both government and non-government.If we continue to concentrate primarily on states ([i.e., ] 'getting it right' in Iraq, managing the next state conflict better), we will fail.Strategic defense communications require sophisticated methods that map perceptions and influence networks, identify priorities, formulate objectives, develop themes and messages, leverage new strategic and tactical dynamics and, ultimately, monitor success.STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION: A National Model makes the case for innovative visions in communications in this new strategic environment. This recently released study approaches the subject from every vantage point -- from leveraging the private sector to strategic communication direction, coordination, support, and execution. It also includes summary recommendations for managing information dissemination in the post-9/11 era.THE DEFENSE SCIENCE BOARD SUMMER STUDY on the Transition to and from Hostilities was formed in early 2004 and culminated in the production of this final report and summary briefing in August 2004.