Shaping Global Narratives in the Era of Hybrid Warfare

D.Efimchuk, School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University;

A.Maksimov, School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University;

M.Dushkin, School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University;

Abstract. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the impact of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) on different aspects of our life. They have fundamentally changed the way we share information, communicate and influence public opinion. These two tools have become powerful tools for influencing global narratives and shaping public opinion in the era of hybrid warfare. Hybrid warfare is a type of conflict in which a state or nonstate actor combines unconventional tactics, information warfare, and conventional military power to achieve its goals. In this essay we will examine how social media and AI affect global narratives in the era of hybrid warfare.

Research methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, abstraction, comparison, historical method and others.

Key words: artificial intelligence, social media, communication, public opinion, hybrid warfare.

Introduction

In the age of hybrid warfare, social media platforms have emerged as the main means of conducting information warfare. Social media is being used by state actors, non-state actors, and individuals to disseminate propaganda, false information, and fake news in an effort to sway public opinion and create global narratives. Without the need for pricey traditional media venues, social media platforms offer a cheap, accessible, and efficient means to reach a big audience.

Social media makes it possible to create echo chambers, where people are exposed to information that confirms their own opinions and biases. This is one of the main benefits of social media. State and non-state entities have used this phenomenon to propagate propaganda and misinformation. These actors can reinforce their message and give the impression that it is generally accepted by choosing people who are prone to believe a particular narrative.

Social media also has the benefit of facilitating the quick sharing of information. This means that incorrect information can travel quickly and do serious harm before it can be refuted in the age of hybrid warfare. Additionally, social media platforms permit the creation of phony accounts that can be used to amplify false narratives and create the impression of popular support.

Main part. Artificial Intelligence and Hybrid Warfare:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly important tool for state and non-state actors in the era of hybrid warfare. AI can be employed to examine vast volumes of data, spot trends, and develop customised messages that are more likely to be well-received by a certain person. This enables state-sponsored and non-state actors to more effectively target their disinformation and propaganda campaigns.

The ability to create deepfake videos—videos that have been edited to portray someone saying or doing something they did not actually do—is one of the main benefits of artificial intelligence. Deepfake films can be used to disseminate erroneous information and give the appearance that an event happened when it didn't. This can be particularly effective in the era of hybrid warfare, where false information can be used to justify military action or to discredit political opponents.

On social media platforms, chatbots can be used to spread propaganda and false information, giving the appearance that a particular narrative is widely accepted. Additionally, vulnerable people who are more likely to be influenced by a message can be found using chatbots.

The Impact of Social Media and AI on Global Narratives:

Global narratives have been significantly impacted by the use of social media and AI in hybrid warfare. They have affected public opinion in a number of significant ways, including:

1. Due to the ability of users of social media platforms to design and curate their own information feeds, echo chambers may be created where people are only exposed to material that supports their own opinions and prejudices. This may cause public opinion to become more divisive and make it more challenging to engage in productive discussion.
2. The rapid spread of false information: Social media platforms allow false information to spread rapidly and widely before it can be banned and deleted. This can create confusion and undermine trust in established institutions and sources of information.
3. Social media platforms have been used to spread hate speech and other damaging information, as well as to magnify extreme viewpoints. Both the general discourse and individual radicalization may be significantly impacted by this.
4. The erosion of trust: The trust in reputable organizations and information sources has been damaged by the use of social media and AI in hybrid warfare. This may make it more challenging to reach an agreement and establish common ground on crucial issues.

Conclusion

In the age of hybrid warfare, social media and artificial intelligence have developed into potent weapons. These resources can be used by both state and non-state actors to disseminate propaganda, misinformation, and false news, sway public opinion, and create global narratives. Echo chambers can be created via social media platforms, when people are exposed to material that confirms their preexisting opinions and biases. AI can be employed to examine vast volumes of data, spot trends, and develop customised messages that are more likely to be well-received by a certain person. It is crucial that people and governments are aware of these strategies and take action to counter them because the use of social media and AI in hybrid warfare is likely to increase in the future.

References

1. Artificial Intelligence – A key enabler of hybrid warfare [Электронный ресурс] // Режим доступа: https://sgpjournal.mgimo.ru/2021/2021-9/china-russia-economic-political-relations-analysis
2. Artificial Intelligence, OSINT and Russia’s Information Landscape Электронный ресурс] // Режим доступа: https://cetas.turing.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-02/cetas_expert_analysis_-_artificial_intelligence_osint_and_russias_information_landscape.pdf
3. Hybrid Warfare Fighting Complex Opponents from the Ancient World to the Present // Williamson Murray, Peter R. Mansoor. - Cambridge University Press, 2012.
4. Platform Capitalism // Nick Srnicek. - Polity; 1st edition, 2016.