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.
-
New Problems in Hybrid Warfare: Cyber Meets Cognition
Abstract: Hybrid warfare encompasses the area of adversarial relations between war and peace. In this space, questions have emerged about how cyber action, which involves the subversion of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, intersects with information operations (also known as propaganda or influence). While definitions of these phenomena remain imprecise and emergent, terms such… Read more →
Written by
-
On Cognitive Warfare: The Anatomy of Disinformation
Abstract: Cognitive warfare entails narrowing down the execution of warfare to the cognitive dimension. While presented as a new notion, cognitive warfare as a concept articulates the essence of warfare, namely changing an opponent’s attitude and will – and hence their cognition. Although the concept is not new, the resurgence in attention and relevance is… Read more →
Written by
-
Hamas–Israel: TikTok And The Relevance Of The Cognitive Warfare Domain
Abstract: As much as the current conflict occurs on the battlefield, it is being fought in the domain of cognitive warfare. The current conflict highlights the use of cognitive warfare – to influence public support for either side. In cognitive warfare, the human mind becomes the battlefield. The aim is to change what people think… Read more →
Written by
-
Diplomacy Amidst Exploited Cognitive Environments: The Case Of India
Abstract: As warfare has expanded to its sixth domain, the cognitive domain, securing national interests involves targeting the capabilities of the adversary instead of the adversary themselves. This evolving warfare comprises targeting every source of the adversary’s strengths (and the means that enhance it) – internal political stability; economic stability; international image; and, most recently,… Read more →
Written by
-
Clausewitzian Theory Of War In The Age Of Cognitive Warfare
Abstract: We can reconceptualise warfare by contrasting Clausewitz with the modern practice of cognitive warfare, as evidenced by Ukraine’s defence methodologies. The strategic orchestration of ‘infopolitik’ and the sophisticated use of social media can shape narratives and public perception. This article revisits Clausewitz’s tenet of war as a political instrument and juxtaposes it with contemporary… Read more →
Written by
-
A Systematic Review Of Cognitive And Psychological Warfare
Abstract: The human mind is the paramount battleground in modern warfare, where cognitive warfare emerges as an unparalleled domain demanding recognition. The People’s Republic of China and Russia have incorporated cognitive warfare and related strategies into their operations. However, there remains a blurriness regarding the concept and application of cognitive warfare in academic discourse and… Read more →
Written by
-
There Is No Need For A Cognitive Domain
Abstract: Cognitive Warfare is gaining ground in the strategic and operational debate. Accordingly, there are various calls for the introduction of a cognitive domain. The partitioning of warfare into operational domains within the framework of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) effectively reduces the complexity of military decision models as long as the majority of dependencies occur within… Read more →
Written by
-
Using Artificial Intelligence Tools For Obtaining Cognitive Warfare Advantages
Abstract: Nowadays, the internet and social media are probably the most powerful tools used in cognitive warfare to target key figures, niche groups, and significant populations in a community. This article presents a sentiment analysis framework for posts collected from the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, on topics related to the Russian-Ukrainian… Read more →
Written by
-
Disinformation In Cognitive Warfare, FIMI, Hybrid Threats
Abstract: Cognitive Warfare, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), Hybrid threats – how does disinformation strategically target vulnerabilities within democratic institutions? Rather than being competitive, these concepts are complementary and pertain to distinct societal domains. A nuanced understanding of disinformation in varied conceptual, social, and strategic contexts equips policymakers and defence agencies to craft cohesive,… Read more →
Written by
-
A Primer On The Functional Trinity Of The Information Environment
Abstract: Modern war is a complex endeavour. Operations have effects on several domains simultaneously and are not limited to the operational domains of land, air, sea, cyber and space. The information environment, with its three dimensions (informational, physical and cognitive), is a conceptual link between the MPECI instruments of power and the classic operational domains.… Read more →
Written by
