Source: Small Wars Journal

The Small Wars Journal article explores the emerging threat of AI-enhanced cognitive warfare, a new form of conflict that leverages artificial intelligence to manipulate perception, influence decision-making, and disrupt societal stability. Cognitive warfare involves the use of AI to spread disinformation, alter public opinion, and psychologically manipulate populations on a large scale.

The article highlights how AI-driven cognitive operations are being used by state and non-state actors to wage digital conflicts, influencing elections, destabilizing economies, and undermining trust in democratic institutions. AI-powered deepfakes, automated propaganda bots, and targeted misinformation campaigns are among the most concerning tactics in modern information warfare.

Legal and ethical challenges surrounding AI in cognitive warfare are also discussed. The lack of international regulations on AI-driven psychological operations raises concerns about accountability, human rights violations, and the potential escalation of conflicts. Experts argue that governments must develop stronger cognitive defense strategies, including AI-powered detection systems, public awareness initiatives, and international agreements to curb the misuse of AI in information warfare.

The discussion also touches on historical precedents of psychological warfare and how AI has amplified these tactics in the digital age. The article calls for urgent policy responses to counter the growing risks of AI-enhanced cognitive warfare before it becomes a dominant tool in global conflicts.