Description
This observation examines the development of US cognitive warfare strategies, focusing on the move from Cold War-day psychological operations to fashionable- day- moment information manipulation in the digital age. During the Cold War, the United States utilized misinformation and psychological operations to influence both Russian citizens and global thoughts, creating international views and geopolitical dynamics. In today’s multipolar world, advancements in information technology and the expansion of global networks have transformed the landscape of cognitive warfare. Modern strategies increasingly rely on cyberspace, big data, and social media to influence both state and non-state actors. This study examines the validity and evolution of US cognitive warfare methods by using a historical comparative analysis. It also explores how these tactics have adapted to a multipolar global order, where information authenticity, cybersecurity threats, and competition from a range of actors complicate traditional strategies. Case studies from the Cold War and subsequent program actions provide insight into how the US has managed to overcome the growing challenges of cognitive warfare, including the restrictions imposed by contemporary interconnectedness and intercultural interdependence. This research contributes to the understanding of modern information warfare in the context of great power competition, offering a framework for analyzing the effectiveness of these strategies in influencing both global and domestic actors.
