In the era of modern warfare, the battlefield has evolved into a complex and multifaceted landscape. A new form of warfare, known as cognitive warfare, is emerging as a prominent battleground. Cognitive warfare encompasses the realm of understanding, encompassing all aspects of intellectual function, including subconscious and emotional factors that influence human decision-making. It is a strategic approach that aims to influence, protect, and disrupt the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups, utilizing non-kinetic methods in parallel or instead of traditional military action.
The impact of cognitive warfare should not be underestimated, despite often being referred to as “gray zone” activities. These operations are designed to shape decision-making processes, erode trust within communities, and sow chaos. Adversaries strategically engage in cognitive warfare throughout the spectrum of conflict, aiming to stay below the threshold of armed confrontation. They employ psychological and information operations, as well as cyber and social engineering tactics, taking advantage of cognitive biases. This can result in targeted propaganda and disinformation campaigns that undermine the ability of the public to discern fact from fiction, leading to a loss of trust in media. Furthermore, it can contribute to increased polarization, marginalization, and emotional exploitation.
Adversaries Employ Non-Kinetic Activities:
China has adopted an active approach to cognitive warfare, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to shape the minds of adversaries and influence their decision-making processes. President Xi Jinping has emphasized China’s commitment to developing advanced technologies, including AI, for national security and military purposes. Consequently, cognitive warfare has become a new battleground for China, alongside physical and information spaces.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is actively exploring cognitive operations as a new domain of warfare, positioning it alongside land, maritime, air, cyber, and space. The PLA is currently developing wearable technology and a dedicated psychological support system to manipulate the mental state of enemy troops while fortifying its own forces against such efforts.
The PLA’s Intelligent Psychological Monitoring System
One notable initiative implemented by the PLA is the Intelligent Psychological Monitoring System. This system underscores the importance placed on the mental well-being of soldiers. Increasing numbers of PLA units are equipped with smart sensor bracelets that provide real-time physiological data. When necessary, the system can promptly dispatch a psychological counselor for counseling. It also enables continuous recording of facial information, facilitating real-time assessment of soldiers’ psychological states through data feedback and archiving.
In addition, the PLA utilizes high-stress virtual reality simulations to enhance soldiers’ combat preparedness. Data collected during these training sessions can be utilized to better prepare future soldiers for combat. On a lower-tech level, the PLA has established anti-stress training halls, psychological behavior training fields, and group stress-training halls, acting as spiritual stations for officers and soldiers. These facilities offer psychological consultation, emotional release, and physical and mental adjustment.
The United States military is also making substantial investments in similar technology-driven initiatives. For instance, the Defense Innovation Unit collaborated with companies like Garmin and Oura Ring to provide wearable devices to track 165 biomarkers among 8,500 soldiers, generating predictive health analytics. Furthermore, Air Force researchers are soliciting proposals from industry players for wearable computers and sensors that can detect and counter fatigue and stress among various groups, including warfighters, medical professionals, and first-responders. Electrophysiological sensors and stress biomarkers are continuously monitored to assess fatigue and stress levels.
The U.S. Army is similarly developing wearable biofeedback devices, and several pilot contracts have already been announced to leverage innovative wearables to enhance soldier operational readiness and sustainability. The Army aims to utilize data from these biofeedback devices to create more effective training simulations using gaming technology as part of its synthetic training environment initiative.
At its core, the competition in cognitive warfare carries high stakes. While military confrontation may appear to be a clash between the hard powers of two sides, at a deeper level, it is ultimately a contest of human will, regardless of the nature or purpose of the conflict.
Building Cognitive Resilience:
Developing effective training programs and simulations that address cognitive manipulation and biases is crucial to enhancing the US military’s resilience in the face of cognitive warfare. Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the US military is actively working on the development of comprehensive training programs and simulations that specifically target cognitive manipulation and biases. By immersing soldiers in high-stress virtual reality simulations and utilizing innovative technologies, there is the possibility of enhancing their cognitive resilience and decision-making capabilities. These training initiatives will equip soldiers with the necessary tools to identify and counter cognitive warfare tactics, enabling them to make more informed and objective judgments in complex and dynamic battlefield scenarios. The goal is to enhance the adaptability and mental fortitude of military personnel, ensuring their ability to withstand and overcome the challenges posed by adversaries in the cognitive warfare landscape.
As nations race to achieve dominance in AI, the utilization of advanced technology in cognitive warfare is poised to become an increasingly critical battleground. It represents a new battlefield with significant impacts, even without traditional kinetic activities. As adversaries engage in cognitive warfare throughout the spectrum of conflict, targeting opponents’ mental resilience we must grapple with it and understand the implications of employing AI in warfare.