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A Reflection on Cognitive Warfare: (Definition, Characteristics, Foundations, Typology, and Strategies)
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Ali-Akbar Rashad   , Mahdi Abbaszadeh |
| : Faculty member at Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought (IICT) |
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Abstract: (2 Views) |
Background: Modern conflicts and engagements are predominantly characterized as "hybrid warfare". The subject of this study is "cognitive warfare", which constitutes a significant dimension and method of hybrid warfare and represents the most advanced and complex form of "soft warfare". The objective of this research is to investigate the concept of cognitive warfare, examine its characteristics, foundations, and types, and propose strategies for countering it.
Methods: The research methodology employed for data collection is "library-based", and the nature of the approach is "analytical-philosophical".
Results: "Media", particularly "cyberspace" and the "Internet", serve as the primary arenas or platforms for cognitive warfare, with "Artificial Intelligence" (AI) regarded as its principal tool. In cognitive warfare, not only individuals but also society as a whole may succumb to "cognitive and algorithmic biases". Furthermore, in "narrative warfare", a crucial subset of cognitive warfare, the official narrative must strive to be the "first narrative" (pre-emptive) and "dominant narrative". The "epistemology of cognitive warfare and narrative warfare" is an important theoretical foundation for both."Psychological warfare", as a form of soft warfare, maintains a close relationship with cognitive warfare and warrants special attention.
Conclusion: Based on the depiction of cognitive warfare and its various forms, such as narrative warfare and related types like psychological warfare, this study proposes "proportionate strategies" for mitigation. Chief among these is the enhancement of "spiritual health" grounded in an Islamic approach. |
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| Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive warfare, Cyberspace Operations, Soft War, Spiritual Health |
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Full-Text [PDF 256 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Letter: Original Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/26 | Accepted: 2026/06/21 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/26
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