Cognitive Warfare
Cognitive warfare is the strategic use of information, psychological tactics, and technological tools to influence how people think, perceive reality, and make decisions, often targeting beliefs, emotions, and social behaviors. It goes beyond traditional propaganda by exploiting cognitive biases, social networks, and digital platforms to subtly shape opinions and weaken an adversary’s cohesion or will to act.
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Competing Narratives In Media Framing Of U.S. Arms Sales To Taiwan
Abstract: This study examines how the People’s Republic of China and Taiwanese media frame United States-Taiwan arms sales using unsupervised text mining methods. It analyses English-language news coverage from 2019 to 2026, a period marked by delayed U.S. arms transfers and political debate over Taiwan’s defence spending. Drawing on articles from Taiwanese and PRC-affiliated media,… Read More
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Bias Vs. Bots: Training Officers For Cognitive Warfare
Abstract: Emerging technologies increasingly accelerate intelligence and decision cycles, yet the officer as human-in-the-loop remains cognitively vulnerable within contested information environments. Artificial intelligence may both mitigate and amplify these vulnerabilities. This article conceptualises Cognitive Resilience as the systematic integration of cognitive control loops into military decision-making. It proposes a training framework—Countering Cognitive Warfare Training (CCW… Read More
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Embracing Emerging Tech To Educate Tomorrow’s Officers
Abstract: Cognitive warfare targets perception and decision-making, yet officer training lacks the operational constructs that structure kinetic or cyber operations. This doctrinal gap leads to fragmented detection, weak attribution, and curricula that prioritise procedural certainty over adaptive judgment in the face of ambiguity. This article introduces the Cognitive Defence Cycle (CDC), an operational model mapping… Read More
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AI-Enabled Cyberspace Operations
Abstract: Artificial intelligence is reshaping the offence–defence balance in cyberspace. Drawing on recent cases (PromptLock ransomware, Auto-Exploit pipelines, and the Air Force’s DASH wargame) and a systematic review of academic articles, this study examines how AI alters tempo, cost, and thresholds in cyberspace operations. Findings show that AI accelerates offensive exploitation, enables polymorphism, and lowers… Read More
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Defining Cognitive Warfare: Maximalist versus Minimalist Approaches
Abstract: Given the relevance, evolution, and proliferation of cognitive warfare in the modern age, it is necessary to delve deeper into the concept to gain an empirical understanding that can inform future policies and practices. Accordingly, a systematic literature review was carried out to define the concept in relation to six key aspects, namely its… Read More
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Defending Free Speech With Free Choice: Towards Technology-Driven, Human-Centred, Endpoint Solutions For Society As A Whole
Abstract: Cognitive warfare and especially disinformation now rely heavily on social media platforms, cybertechnologies and AI, with the aim of creating confusion, societal polarization, mistrust, anger, and hatred against governments, organizations, communities or opposing individuals. While disinformation is a global problem, early defences based on censorship also threaten core Western values such as freedom of… Read More
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The Janus-Faced Hybrid Nature Of Cyber-Related Technologies In The Cognitive Domain
Abstract: As a prerequisite to effectively identifying and countering cyber and hybrid threats, as well as cognitive warfare/superiority campaigns against Western democracies worldwide, it is crucial to have cross-governmental and international information-sharing capabilities. Due to the vast amount of data, this process must be supported by technically advanced AI/ML-powered technology to analyse multilingual and publicly… Read More
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FREE DOWNLOAD – Aspects of Cognitive Warfare
Click to download for free! 2024_TDHJ-Hybrid CoE- Cognitive Warfare 2024 The geopolitical confrontation between democratic and authoritarian states is intensifying. New technologies are currently playing multiple roles in this conflict. As a key factor in states’ economic resources, technological assets and capabilities have always played an important role in the global balance of power. Their… Read More
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Then We Will Fight In The Shade
Abstract: The recognition of existential threats such as cognitive warfare is crucial to avoid defeat. Western societies must address such threats by leveraging their militaries’ adaptability. Relying solely on the military poses risks, however, necessitating a comprehensive approach to national security. Coordination among all the instruments of power under democratic control is essential for effective… Read More
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National Cyberspace And Cyber Operations
Abstract: Historically, warfare has occurred in various operating environments, traditionally referred to as domains: land; sea; air; and outer space. In recent times information and cyberspace have emerged as additional domains. National cyberspace can be categorized in six dimensions: military; political; economic; societal; technological; and citizen. Offensive cyber operations are increasing in diversity, sophistication and… Read More
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