Hybrid Warfare: Human Mind as a New Battlefield

Kirill Tiurin
School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University;

Stanislav Egorov
School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University

Abstract

In existing realms the access to the information via modern means of communication is becoming more and more simplified. People do not need to be subscripted to news magazines, wait for the newsboy to hand them out freshly printed newspaper in the morning. All they need to do is wake up and check through the notifications on their mobile devices or just turn on the TV while having breakfast. Thus, the level of accessibility to the information makes it easier for media giants, governed by political institutions, to control people’s thoughts navigating them through the agenda created by them. In this context they are battling for human minds creating a new social engineering method in hybrid warfare.

Research methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, abstraction, modelling, dialectics, methods of statistical analysis, case studies and others.

Key words: hybrid warfare, engagement, human mind, psychological operations (PSYOPS), cyber-attack, economic manipulation, cyber security.

Introduction

As the world continues to evolve, so does the nature of warfare. Traditional methods of conflict have given way to a new era known as hybrid warfare, where battles are fought not only on the physical battleground but also within the realm of the human mind. In this article, we explore the concept
of hybrid warfare and how the human mind has become a crucial battlefield
in modern conflicts.

Main Part

Defining Hybrid Warfare

Hybrid warfare refers to the combination of conventional
and unconventional tactics employed by state and non-state actors to achieve their objectives. It goes beyond traditional military engagement and encompasses a wide range of tactics such as cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, economic manipulation, and psychological operations.

The Human Mind as a Battleground

While physical strength and technological superiority have long been factors in determining the outcome of wars, the human mind has emerged as a critical battleground. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of information technology, the advent of social media, and the increasing interconnectedness of societies.

Psychological Operations

One of the key components of hybrid warfare is psychological operations (PSYOPS). These operations aim to influence the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of targeted populations.[1] PSYOPS employ various tactics, including propaganda dissemination, spreading disinformation, manipulating social media platforms, and creating false narratives.

The power of PSYOPS lies in its ability to exploit human vulnerabilities and cognitive biases. By carefully crafting and disseminating persuasive narratives, actors engaging in hybrid warfare can sway public opinion, create divisions within societies, and undermine trust in institutions.

Cyber Attacks and Information Warfare

In the digital age, cyberspace has become a critical domain for hybrid warfare. State and non-state actors leverage cyber-attacks to infiltrate and disrupt computer networks, steal sensitive information, and conduct espionage. Beyond the immediate damage caused by such attacks, their psychological impact can be far-reaching.

Information warfare, conducted primarily through social media platforms, plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and manipulating the human mind. Disinformation campaigns, often disguised as legitimate news sources
or grassroots movements, are designed to sow confusion, amplify divisions, and undermine trust in established institutions.

Economic Manipulation and Social Engineering

Hybrid warfare also encompasses economic manipulation and social engineering as strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Economic coercion, through trade restrictions or financial pressure, can destabilize economies and weaken the resolve of target nations. By exploiting economic vulnerabilities, actors engaging in hybrid warfare can gain leverage and exert influence.

Social engineering involves exploiting human behavior and social dynamics to achieve specific objectives.[2] This can range from manipulating public sentiment through targeted advertising to influencing electoral outcomes by exploiting societal divisions. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for such manipulation, where algorithms tailor content to reinforce existing beliefs and create echo chambers.

Countering Hybrid Warfare

Addressing the challenges posed by hybrid warfare requires a multi-faceted approach.[3] Governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to develop strategies that safeguard the human mind and strengthen societal resilience.

Enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking skills is crucial in navigating the vast amount of information available. Promoting media literacy and fact-checking initiatives can help individuals distinguish between reliable sources and misinformation.

Strong cybersecurity measures and robust intelligence capabilities are essential to counter cyber-attacks and identify those responsible for disinformation campaigns. Cooperation between governments, private sector entities, and international organizations is vital in sharing information, coordinating responses, and developing effective deterrents.

Conclusion

Hybrid warfare has brought about a paradigm shift in the nature of conflicts. The human mind has become a new battleground where state and non-state actors seek to shape perceptions, influence behavior, and manipulate societies to achieve their objectives. Understanding the tactics employed in hybrid warfare and adopting comprehensive strategies to counter them are crucial to safeguarding the integrity of information and protecting the resilience of essential geopolitical governmental growth.

References

1. Damjanovic Dragan Z. Types of information warfare and examples of malicious programs of information warfare // Vojnoteh. glas. 2017. №4. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/types-of-information-warfare-and-examples-of-malicious-programs-of-information-warfare
2. Neetu Bansla, Swati Kunwar, & Khushboo Gupta. (2019). Social Engineering: A Technique for Managing Human Behavior. Journal of Information Technology and Sciences, 5(1), 18–2
3. Mikael Weissmann*Hybrid warfare and hybrid threats today and tomorrow: towards an analytical framework Open Access. © 2019 Mikael Weissmann, published by Sciendo