DECISION-MAKING AND CULTURAL FACTORS IN COMBAT: A STUDY OF NAVAL RESPONSES TO HOUTHI ATTACKS IN THE RED SEA

Abstract

The seizure of the Galaxy Leader by the Houthis in November 2023 triggered a high-intensity security crisis in the Red Sea, a strategic corridor for global trade. In response, international forces adopted distinct approaches: the United States-led military coalition Operation Prosperity Guardian, launched on December 18, 2023, to conduct offensive strikes, and the European Union’s Operation Aspides, initiated in February 2024, with a strictly defensive mandate.

Beyond the political and strategic considerations shaping these operations, naval commanders and crews faced critical human and leadership challenges. The extreme time constraints of modern naval warfare, particularly in countering missile and drone threats, placed immense cognitive pressure on decision-makers at all levels. The necessity for immediate responses within seconds tested not only technological capabilities but also the adaptability, experience, and psychological resilience of personnel. This study examines how differences in command culture, rules of engagement, and leadership styles influenced operational decision-making in high-risk combat scenarios. Based on an empirical survey among multinational naval forces, it explores how leadership structures, training, and personal judgment impacted real-time decisions to open fire. By analysing these human dimensions, the research provides insight into the balance between strategic directives and on-the-ground decision-making under extreme pressure.