Underestimating the Power of Nationalism and Ignorance of Local Context

Underestimating the power of nationalism can motivate people to fight for their beliefs and values, as seen with the North Vietnamese and Vietcong during the Vietnam War. Ignorance of the history, culture, and politics of a people in a region, as well as the personalities and habits of their leaders, can lead to misjudgments of friend and foe alike. Senior diplomats' advice, based on decades of studying a country and its people, can be invaluable in shaping judgments and decisions. Understanding the local context, culture, and people's behaviors is crucial in making informed decisions.