Red teaming and crisis preparedness

Abstract

Simulations are an important component of crisis preparedness, because they allow for training responders and testing plans in advance of a crisis materializing. Yet, traditional simulations can all too easily fall prey to a range of cognitive and organizational distortions that tend to reduce their efficacy. The shortcomings become even more problematic in the increasingly complex, highly dynamic crisis environment of the early 21st century. This situation calls for the incorporation of alternative approaches to crisis simulation, ones that by design incorporate multiple perspectives and explicit challenges to the status quo. Red teaming, a distinct approach to formulating, conducting, and analyzing simulations and exercises, is based on the simulation of adversaries or competitors. Red teaming can be viewed as practices that simulate adversary or adversarial decisions or behaviors, where the purpose is informing or improving defensive capabilities, and outputs are measured. This article argues that red teaming, as a specific species of simulation, holds much promise for enhancing crisis preparedness and the crucial decision-making that attends a variety of emerging issues in the crisis management context. – AI-generated abstract