White Paper on The Key Role of Human Geography, Culture and Language in Effective Communication A Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) Periodic Publication May 2017 Contributing Authors: Mr. John DeRosa (GMU), Dr. Charles Ess (University of Oslo), Dr. Charles Ehlschlaeger (USACE), Col (Ret.) Robert C. Jones (SOCOM), Olesia Kompaniiets (Polizor Centre) Dr. Dianne Loyet (University of Illinois Springfield), Ms. Christine MacNulty (Applied Futures), Ms. Angie Mallory (Iowa State University), Mr. Shoqi Maktary (Search for Common Ground, Yemen), Ms. Yusra Mushtaq (Visiting Scholar, Pakistan), Dr. Amjed Rasheed (Durham University, Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies), Dr. Jason Spitaletta (JHU-APL, Maj, USMCR), Dr. Gwyneth Sutherlin (Geographic Services, Inc.) Executive Editor: Dr. Gwyneth Sutherlin (Geographic Services, Inc.) Integration Editor: Mr. Sam Rhem (SRC) Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) Periodic Publication This white paper represents the views and opinions of the contributing authors. This white paper does not represent official USG policy or position. Approved for Public Release