Groups and War Lab alumnus Andrea Wolfe and Holly Arrow have a new publication out in the APA journal Military Psychology. It reports on attempts by U.S. soldiers deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan to influence the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of local civilians. Results indicate that “soft” elements such as empathy, respect, and prior relationships predict greater success, as do influence techniques involving resources and positive feelings. Negative tactics had more negative results.

Captain Wolfe is now serving as a Research Center executive officer and Instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.