🔗 from WITI
There is an art to ‘collecting’ on a faraway place, something that modern-day intelligence officers call “atmospherics.” Naturally, there’s a mnemonic [PDF]: PMESII-PT, used to analyze atmospherics across eight dimensions.
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Political: Who holds the real power and influence, officially and unofficially? A rural village may technically be governed from the distant capital, but the local police chief is the one who can ruin your trip or be your greatest ally.
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Military: Are armed militias or organized crime syndicates active? A crowded market devoid of women and children could signal an impending attack, whereas regular and professional checkpoints might indicate a strong security presence.
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Economic: What are the patterns of commerce and consumption? Bustling shops, well-stocked shelves and generous haggling may indicate a thriving economy. Shuttered storefronts and bare markets might indicate trouble.
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Social: What are the ethnic, religious, and cultural traditions, and the fault lines? Seemingly banal choices like clothing or cuisine could constitute a major faux pas whereas even a cursory attempt at proper honorifics in the local dialect can win fast friends.
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Information: How open and reliable are the channels of communication? State-controlled media and patchy cell service can constrain the flow of information. Neighborhood gossip (RUMINT) might be the most trusted news source, and can be accessed with the offer of a cigarette or even a genuine smile.
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Infrastructure: Are the basic needs of water, power, transportation and healthcare being met? Knowing the nearest hospital or carrying a few iodine tablets can be the difference between an enriching trip and a catastrophic bubble gut.
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Physical Environment: How do climate and geography impact daily life? Monsoon rains or rugged terrain dictate the rhythms of the local calendar, and can quickly upset the best-laid travel plans.
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Time - What significant dates loom on the calendar? Elections, holidays, and anniversaries of historic events focus a population’s anxieties and joy. The local perception of time can heavily influence the number of museums you might visit, or tell you the best hours to party down with new friends.