scope:

Introduction 

NATO is likely to be faced with the challenge of stabilization and COIN in unstable states for the foreseeable future. Based on lessons learned by NATO's forces in Afghanistan, it is possible that cultural friction may arise when NATO partners and troop contributing nations (TCNs) conduct COIN and/or security force assistance (SFA) activities. 

While NATO conducts long-term operations within a host nation, the potential for insider attacks will exist. This threat exists during multinational operations with non- NATO nations, from HN security forces, and from HN and TCN contractors providing support to NATO forces. 

Cultural friction occurs when two or more entities, such as organisations, units, teams, groups, and individuals, from different countries culturally resist (think or act in opposition, shaped by implicit beliefs and tacit values) each other in real contact or interactions. Interactions sparking cultural friction are not limited to military operations and may occur on a personal level when advisors are eating and interacting with their supported HNSF members.

Cultural friction while conducting SFA activities led to an increase in insider attacks as more and more NATO forces were in contact with the host nation security forces (HNSF). Insider attacks degrade the fragile trust that is built between partners and can impact activities at the strategic, operational, and tactical level. Whilst preventing these attacks from ever occurring should be the goal, it is realistic to assume that there will be some attacks regardless of preventive measures therefore NATO forces should be familiar with steps to counter any potential insider threats.