The Owl in the Olive Tree is the blog of Minerva, aimed at sharing the insights of social science into the social,cultural, political, economic, and environmental dynamics of security. Each post highlights key points distilled from longer, empirically-based research that Minerva-awardees have published. Content appearing in the Owl in the Olive Tree does not constitute Department of Defense policy or endorsement by the Department of Defense, but does highlight the diversity of voices it seeks out in its effort to engage researchers on security-related topics. 

June 22, 2020

Military Means and Political Ends

Erik Gartzke and Jon R. Lindsay

Jan. 30, 2020

It Takes Social Science to Counter the Power of Russia's Malign Influence Campaign

Scott Atran, Richard Davis, and Hasan Davulcu

Dec. 17, 2019

The Puzzle of International Intervention in Conflict-Affected States

Jessica Piombo, Naazneen H. Barma, and Naomi Levy

Oct. 29, 2019

Explaining Great Power Status in Central Asia: Unfamilarity and Discontent

Eric McGlinchey and Marlene Laruelle

March 27, 2019

Understanding How Populations Perceive U.S. Troop Deployments

Michael A. Allen, Michael Flynn, Carla Martinez Machain, and Andrew Stravers

Jan. 17, 2019

Engaging Overseas: Lessons for Afghanistan and Beyond

Eli Berman and Jacob N. Shapiro.

Dec. 17, 2018

Radicalism and Cultural Homelessness

Sarah Lyons-Padilla and Michele J. Gelfand