An Emerging National Security Requirement

The article discusses national security and its profound implications for modern warfare. It dives into the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in the information domain, where state and non-state actors employ technology to rapidly manipulate global beliefs and ideas. Here’s a summary of the key points and their implications: 

The article underscores the increasing importance of information warfare as a distinct and critical element of contemporary conflict. It cites Russian officials who consider information warfare as the primary form of warfare, highlighting the power of manipulating information to shape perceptions and influence societies. The article provides insights into the Russian information warfare strategy, where their aim is to disrupt, distort, and divide the societies and values of competing states and organizations. This strategy involves manipulating narratives, creating divisions, and eroding trust in institutions and values. The author also discusses forms of Social-Cyber Maneuver, introducing the Bend model, which outlines different forms of maneuver in social cybersecurity, such as misdirection, hashtag latching, and network manipulation. It explains how adversaries can manipulate both information and networks to achieve their desired outcomes. In conclusion, the article calls for the education of military personnel and society about the decentralized nature of the modern information environment. It emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary approaches, relevant policies, and interagency efforts to combat the information blitzkrieg. Social cybersecurity is recognized as a necessary discipline for the near future.