Challenges and Pitfalls in Key Leader Engagement

The Swedish Armed Forces is contributing to international missions in fragile states where operations are taking place amongst the population, who live amidst the war. In these situations, popular support of the mission is vital to its success. Interaction with key leaders in the society is one way of reaching the target population. This report gives a description of Key Leader Engagement (KLE) and identifies common challenges and pitfalls associated with these activities. The report is based on a literature review as well as interviews with Swedish civil and military personnel who have been involved in international missions in a role that required them to interact with key leaders in the missions area (e.g. different forms of meetings). There is currently is no clear definition of KLE. Both the literature review and the interviews show that there are differences in opinions regarding what KLE is, and also, if KLE only can be conducted by high leaders or if it also can be conducted on lower levels. Most of the KLE experiences presented in this report are based on KLE in Afghanistan where Swedish personnel has met with Afghan key leaders. These meetings have been conducted both of higher and lower levels and depending on how KLE is defined; all these activities may not be classified as KLEs. However, the experiences are generally relevant for KLE regardless of level. The results show that there are many challenges and pitfalls associated with KLE. All KLEs need to be carefully prepared to ensure that they are appropriately conducted to lead to the desired outcomes. Some of the major challenges and pitfalls identified relate to insufficient cultural awareness. In Aghan culture this include, for example, the importance of, not rushing any meetings, avoiding making the recipient "loose face" showing respect for the recipients´religion; and only making promises that you know you can keep. One conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that pre-deployment training must focus on cultural awareness. Further more, all KLEs must be carefully prepared; social skills are essential;and; access to good advisors and interpreters is essential for successful KLEs.