2022/12/21 by Claire Yorke · 14 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Empathy #Ethos #Hubris #International Relations and Foreign Policy #Law #Military History and Strategy #Political science #Psychology #Public relations #Social psychology #Sociology #Transactional leadership
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/01402390.2022.2152800
published in Journal of Strategic Studies 46(5), 1082-1102 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2022/12/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Empathy is increasingly seen as integral to effective strategy, offering solutions to policy failures and new ways to achieve strategic and operational success. Despite its softer connotations, empathy is hard, requiring strategists to confront misperceptions and false assumptions, and overcome individual egos and national hubris. This article reviews the literature, examining some of the gaps and costs incurred. Whilst strategic empathy may have transactional and instrumental connotations, it suggests that the concept holds greater potential to transform strategy. Used wisely, it offers an ethos and means to put people first, foster greater security, and offer innovative approaches to contemporary challenges.