This is about overcoming ethnocentricity and developing a sense of empathy. A soldier that interprets a culture can exploit mores, norms, and values as leverage; it can also advert a widespread pitfall. We must also understand the power of the weak in insurgency(see MLK and Ghandi). Just as was mentioned in this journal, hatred towards the enemy is counterproductive in COIN. Without sacrificing honor, a warrior should maintain the discipline to deny the enemy from controlling their emotions and provoking a desired response- be it sympathy or hatred.
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