Better Use of Existing Knowledge

Abstract

It is encouraging to see the focus on cross-cultural research by the U.S. Department of Defense (“Pentagon asks academics for help in understanding its enemies,” Y. Bhattacharjee, News Focus, 27 Apr., p. [534][1]). However, the same information is effectively gathered by interviewing local experts and having representatives of the United States “on the ground” to sort through the data. Our State Department does a good job with this and understood the problems with invading Iraq quite well. However, this advice was ignored. Perhaps it would be more productive to study our institutions and see how we can better make use of the good knowledge that we have, rather than generating redundant data, which have a high probability of also being ignored. It has been said that the most effective way to deflect accountability in government is to study the problem for long enough for the next election to take place (and memories to fade). A related concern is how to address solutions once the problem is obvious. This “riding the tiger” problem (“if you get off, it will eat you”) needs a focus on amnesty for error, but not for intransigence. During delays in correction, much damage is done that could and should be avoided. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.316.5824.534