Final answer:
In the 'battle for the narrative,' which includes shaping public perception and managing information, key applicable elements are aligning communication strategies and establishing narrative superiority. This involves active participation from adversaries, leveraging both traditional and non-traditional tactics, including hybrid warfare and advanced technologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the 'battle for the narrative,' which pertains to how actors in a conflict aim to control the story and public perception, the elements that apply are as follows: attempts to align communication efforts, it is commander driven and seeks to gain superiority over the adversary's narrative. Contrary to one of the options given, adversaries actively participate in this 'battle for the narrative,' as each side aims to influence public opinion and the perception of legitimacy. Additionally, the information environment should not be passive; it must be engaged actively to shape the narrative.
Applying the wisdom of Sun Tzu, one could argue that the narrative would be more effective if it utilized deception, demonstrated adaptability like water, and included tactical dispositions such as avoiding direct confrontation with a stronger force and striking at vulnerabilities. This ancient strategizing also underlines the importance of recognizing and defending against non-traditional methods of warfare, like disinformation and cyber infiltration.
Moreover, hybrid warfare, which integrates conventional military tactics with emerging technologies like autonomy and robotics, is transforming the battlefield and creating new fronts in the battle for the narrative, including cyber and information warfare.