Information Warfare Part 1: What You Need to Know by Deborah A
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
The News Media Industry Defined
Spring 2006 Industry Study Final Report News Media Industry The Industrial College of the Armed Forces National Defense University Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. 20319-5062 i NEWS MEDIA 2006 ABSTRACT: The American news media industry is characterized by two competing dynamics – traditional journalistic values and market demands for profit. Most within the industry consider themselves to be journalists first. In that capacity, they fulfill two key roles: providing information that helps the public act as informed citizens, and serving as a watchdog that provides an important check on the power of the American government. At the same time, the news media is an extremely costly, market-driven, and profit-oriented industry. These sometimes conflicting interests compel the industry to weigh the public interest against what will sell. Moreover, several fast-paced trends have emerged within the industry in recent years, driven largely by changes in technology, demographics, and industry economics. They include: consolidation of news organizations, government deregulation, the emergence of new types of media, blurring of the distinction between news and entertainment, decline in international coverage, declining circulation and viewership for some of the oldest media institutions, and increased skepticism of the credibility of “mainstream media.” Looking ahead, technology will enable consumers to tailor their news and access it at their convenience – perhaps at the cost of reading the dull but important stories that make an informed citizenry. Changes in viewer preferences – combined with financial pressures and fast paced technological changes– are forcing the mainstream media to re-look their long-held business strategies. These changes will continue to impact the media’s approach to the news and the profitability of the news industry. -
The Effectiveness of Influence Activities in Information Warfare
The Effectiveness of Influence Activities in Information Warfare Cassandra Lee Brooker A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Research School of Business May 2020 Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname : BROOKER Given Name/s : CASSANDRA LEE Abbreviation for degree : MRes Faculty : UNSW Canberra School : School of Business Thesis Title : The Effectiveness of Influence Activities in Information Warfare Abstract Rapid, globalised power shifts, technological advances, and increasingly interconnected, ungoverned communications networks have resulted in the rise of asymmetric grey zone threats. The lines are now blurred between political, civil, and military information environments. The rise of influence activities is the new ‘sharp power’ in information warfare (the iWar). Western democracies are already at war in the information domain and are being out-communicated by their adversaries. Building on the commentary surrounding this contemporary threat, and based on a review of the literature across three academic disciplines of: Systems Thinking, Influence, and Cognitive Theory; this study aimed to investigate solutions for improving Australia’s influence effectiveness in the iWar. This study asked how systems thinking can offer an effective approach to holistically understanding complex social systems in the iWar; as well as asking why understanding both successful influencing strategies and psychological cognitive theories is central to analysing those system behaviours. To answer the aim, a systems thinking methodology was employed to compare two contrasting case studies to determine their respective influencing effectiveness. The successful case system comprising the terrorist group ISIS was compared and contrasted with the unsuccessful case system of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 election campaign – using a single stock of influence to determine relevant reinforcing and balancing feedback. -
Mythical State the Aesthetics and Counter-Aesthetics of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication 10 (2017) 255–271 MEJCC brill.com/mjcc Mythical State The Aesthetics and Counter-Aesthetics of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria Nathaniel Greenberg George Mason University, va, usa [email protected] Abstract In the summer of 2014, on the heels of the declaration of a ‘caliphate’ by the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (isis), a wave of satirical production depicting the group flooded the Arab media landscape. Seemingly spontaneous in some instances and tightly measured in others, the Arab comedy offensive paralleled strategic efforts by the United States and its allies to ‘take back the Internet’ from isis propagandists. In this essay, I examine the role of aesthetics, broadly, and satire in particular, in the creation and execution of ‘counter-narratives’ in the war against isis. Drawing on the pioneering theories of Fred Forest and others, I argue that in the age of digital reproduction, truth-based messaging campaigns underestimate the power of myth in swaying hearts and minds. As a modus of expression conceived as an act of fabrication, satire is poised to counter myth with myth. But artists must balance a very fine line. Keywords isis – isil – daish – daesh – satire – mythology – counternarratives – counter- communications – terrorism – takfir Introduction In late February 2016, Capitol Hill was abuzz with the announcement by State Department officials that they were working on a major joint public-private initiative to ‘“take back the Internet” from increasingly prolific jihadist sup- porters’.1The campaign, ‘Madison Valleywood’,was to include both the disman- 1 The phrase is drawn from the introductory remarks to Monika Bickert’s presentation at the © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2017 | doi: 10.1163/18739865-01002009Downloaded from Brill.com09/29/2021 03:29:38AM via free access 256 greenberg tling of propaganda on social media sites controlled by the Islamic State and the creation of ‘counter-narratives’ to roll back the effect of the group’s propaganda. -
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS)
Archived Content Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page. Information archivée dans le Web Information archivée dans le Web à des fins de consultation, de recherche ou de tenue de documents. Cette dernière n’a aucunement été modifiée ni mise à jour depuis sa date de mise en archive. Les pages archivées dans le Web ne sont pas assujetties aux normes qui s’appliquent aux sites Web du gouvernement du Canada. Conformément à la Politique de communication du gouvernement du Canada, vous pouvez demander de recevoir cette information dans tout autre format de rechange à la page « Contactez-nous ». CANADIAN FORCES COLLEGE / COLLÈGE DES FORCES CANADIENNES JCSP 33 / PCEMJ 33 EXERCISE/EXERCICE New Horizons Core Requirements for the Successful Development of a Psychological Operations Capability for the Canadian Forces By /par LCol M. K. Purcell This paper was written by a student attending the Canadian Forces College in fulfilment of one of the requirements of the Course of Studies. The paper is a scholastic document, and thus contains facts and opinions, which the author alone considered appropriate and correct for the subject. It does not necessarily reflect the policy or the opinion of any agency, including the Government of Canada and the Canadian Department of National Defence. -
New Challenges to the Traditional Principles of the Law of War Presented by Information Operations in Outer Space
Journal of Politics and Law March, 2009 New Challenges to the Traditional Principles of the Law of War Presented by Information Operations in Outer Space Jia Huang Graduates’ Team School of Humanities and Social Sciences National University of Defense Technology 47 Yan Wa Chi Street, Changsha 410073, China E-mail: [email protected] Abstract With the rapid development of space information technology and constant advancement of militarization of outer space, the legal aspects of information operations in outer space have aroused the attention of international community. Information operations in outer space have brand-new features and means, which are apparently different from those of traditional operations, thus challenging almost all major aspects of the traditional principles of the warfare law. This paper makes a pilot study on challenges to the traditional principles of the law of war against the background of information operations in outer space from the following three aspects of the regulations in the law of war: Jus ad Bellum, Jus in Bello and neutrality. Keywords: Information operations in outer space, The law of war 1. Introduction The law of war is a branch of international law. It is a combination of promissory principles, regulations and systems that adjust the relationship between each side of belligerents and between belligerents and nonbelligerents, regulate the conduct of operations during the process of war and armed conflict. The current principles and regulations of the law of war are mainly embodied in the system of “Hague Law”, “Geneva Law” and the U.N. Charter. The Hague Conventions and Geneva Conventions established the basic principles of the law of war such as military necessity, discrimination, proportionality, avoiding superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering, prohibition against indiscriminate weapons, prohibition against perfidy, and protecting the rights and interests of neutral powers and persons. -
Civilians in Cyberwarfare: Conscripts
Civilians in Cyberwarfare: Conscripts Susan W. Brenner* with Leo L. Clarke** ABSTRACT Civilian-owned and -operated entities will almost certainly be a target in cyberwarfare because cyberattackers are likely to be more focused on undermining the viability of the targeted state than on invading its territory. Cyberattackers will probably target military computer systems, at least to some extent, but in a departure from traditional warfare, they will also target companies that operate aspects of the victim nation’s infrastructure. Cyberwarfare, in other words, will penetrate the territorial borders of the attacked state and target high-value civilian businesses. Nation-states will therefore need to integrate the civilian employees of these (and perhaps other) companies into their cyberwarfare response structures if a state is to be able to respond effectively to cyberattacks. While many companies may voluntarily elect to participate in such an effort, others may decline to do so, which creates a need, in effect, to conscript companies for this purpose. This Article explores how the U.S. government can go about compelling civilian cooperation in cyberwarfare without violating constitutional guarantees and limitations on the power of the Legislature and the Executive. * NCR Distinguished Professor of Law and Technology, University of Dayton School of Law. ** Associate, Drew, Cooper & Anding, P.C., Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1011 1012 Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law [Vol. 43:1011 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................. -
Storming the Reality Studio
DRAFT Storming the Reality Studio: Leveraging Public Information in the War on Terror Brendan Matthew-Gordon Kelly Prepared for the 47th Annual International Studies Association Convention March 22-25, 2006 San Diego, CA Abstract This paper ar gues that the war on terror is understood on both sides as an idea war, an event that signifies the triumph of Constructivist theories over strictly Realist interpretations of international politics. It further argues that this is a watershed event, in which information operations have finally taken a primary role in military strategy. Finally, it argues that this is most visible in cyberspace. On February 17th, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld spoke before the Council on Foreign Relations to argue that America was losing the information war in its struggle against radical Islam: Rumsfeld also said al-Qaida and other Islamic extremist groups have poisoned the Muslim public's view of the United States through deft use of the Internet and other modern communications methods that the American government has failed to master. "Our enemies have skillfully adapted to fighting wars in today's media age, but for the most part we - our country, our government - has not adapted," he said. 1 This argument is problematic for several reasons. First, it fails to consider the possibility that the Muslim world’s “poisoned” view of the United States has nothing to do with Al-Qaeda or other extremist organizations.2 But even if we accept Rumsfeld’s argument at face value, these statements are still problematic. The fact is that America, the home of Hollywood and Madison Avenue, has dominated the art of political spin for decades. -
Information Operations, Information Warfare, and Computer Network Attack Their Relationship to National Security in the Information Age
IV Information Operations, Information Warfare, and Computer Network Attack Their Relationship to National Security in the Information Age Daniel T. Kuehl· Introduction hat is "information warfare"? Is it nothing more than a bumper W sticker, used as a "quick fix" rescue for budgets and programs that find it useful to attach themselves to the hot new concept? Is it such a revolu tionary new amalgam of technologies and concepts that old and traditional forms of warfare are soon slated to fall into the same receptacle in which out moded military technologies such as the catapult and war galley slumber? Is warfare as we understand it, featuring "blast, heat, and fragmentation," about to become obsolete?1 The intent of this brief introduction to information warfare (IW) and information operations (10) is to both explore these issues and present the thesis that they are best understood in light of the environment in which they take place-the information environment-and to explore the relation ship of that environment to the specific topic on which this book is focused, computer network attack. Information Operations, Inforntation Warfare, and Computer Network Attack What is Information Warfare? A useful starting place is to trace the evolution of the term information warfare itsel£ The earliest use of the term in the United States probably origi nated in the Office of Net Assessment, where in the 1970s Dr. Tom Rona was investigating the relationships among control systems, a field known as cyber netics. Dr. Rona described the competition between competing control systems as "information warfare," in the sense that control systems can be described as the means for gathering, processing, and disseminating information, processes which can be diagrammed and described with flow and feedback charts of mind-numbing dryness and complexity.2 In 1993 the Department of Defense published an official definition for the term, in a highly classified DoD Directive, TS3600.1. -
The Power to Wage War Successfully
THE POWER TO WAGE WAR SUCCESSFULLY MattheW C. Waxman* A century ago and in the midst of American involvement in World War I, future Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes delivered one of the most influential lectures on the Constitution in wartime. In it he uttered his famous axiom that “the power to wage war is the power to wage war successfully.” That statement continues to echo in modern jurisprudence, though the background and details of the lecture have not previously been explored in detail. Drawing on Hughes’s own research notes, this Article examines his 1917 formulation and shows how Hughes pre- sciently applied it to the most pressing war powers issues of its day— namely, a national draft and intrusive federal economic regulation. Though critical to supporting American military operations in Europe, these were primarily questions about Congress’s domestic authority—not the sorts of interbranch issues that naturally come to mind today in thinking about “waging war.” This Article also shows, however, how Hughes struggled unsuccessfully to define when war powers should turn off or revert to peacetime powers. The story of Hughes’s defense of (and later worry about) expansive wartime powers in World War I sheds much light on present constitutional war powers and debates about them, including in the context of indefinite and sweeping wars against transnational terrorist groups. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 614 I. OUR “FIGHTING CONSTITUTION” ......................................................... -
Preventive Force: Untangling the Discourse
Preventive Force: Untangling the Discourse William W. Keller Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and Gordon R. Mitchell, Department of Communications 2006-24 About the Matthew B. Ridgway Center The Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies at the University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to producing original and impartial analysis that informs policymakers who must confront diverse challenges to international and human security. Center programs address a range of security concerns – from the spread of terrorism and technologies of mass destruction to genocide, failed states, and the abuse of human rights in repressive regimes. The Ridgway Center is affiliated with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and the University Center for International Studies (UCIS), both at the University of Pittsburgh. This working paper is one of several outcomes of the Ridgway Working Group on Preemptive and Preventive Military Intervention, chaired by Gordon R. Mitchell. Speaking triumphantly from the deck of an aircraft carrier in May 2003, President George W. Bush declared, “major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.”1 While this optimism drew a predictable response from the live military audience, the credibility of President Bush’s proclamation gradually faded as U.S. forces were drawn into a bloody and costly counter-insurgency campaign that eventually alienated many war supporters. As 2005 drew to a close, rising casualties and spiraling war expenses fueled skepticism of President Bush’s “mission accomplished” message and raised serious doubts about the wisdom of “staying the course in Iraq.”2 One prominent GOP lawmaker commented, “the White House is completely disconnected from reality,”3 while other Republicans called on the Bush administration to produce an exit plan.4 However, as Karl-Heinz Kamp points out, such arguments were drawn narrowly and did not include calls for an overall exit from the U.S. -
The Production and Circulation of Propaganda
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by RMIT Research Repository The Only Language They Understand: The Production and Circulation of Propaganda A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Christian Tatman BA (Journalism) Hons RMIT University School of Media and Communication College of Design and Social Context RMIT University February 2013 Declaration I Christian Tatman certify that except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the author alone; the work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for any other academic award; the content of the thesis is the result of work which has been carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program; any editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party is acknowledged; and, ethics procedures and guidelines have been followed. Christian Tatman February 2013 i Acknowledgements I would particularly like to thank my supervisors, Dr Peter Williams and Associate Professor Cathy Greenfield, who along with Dr Linda Daley, have provided invaluable feedback, support and advice during this research project. Dr Judy Maxwell and members of RMIT’s Research Writing Group helped sharpen my writing skills enormously. Dr Maxwell’s advice and the supportive nature of the group gave me the confidence to push on with the project. Professor Matthew Ricketson (University of Canberra), Dr Michael Kennedy (Mornington Peninsula Shire) and Dr Harriet Speed (Victoria University) deserve thanks for their encouragement. My wife, Karen, and children Bethany-Kate and Hugh, have been remarkably patient, understanding and supportive during the time it has taken me to complete the project and deserve my heartfelt thanks. -
Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation During the COVID-19 / SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic
Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation During the COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Submission to the Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media 19th June, 2019 Dr Carlo Kopp Biological versus Digital Pandemics Australia, like other democracies, has suffered from a deluge of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation related to the COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 pandemic1. Like other democracies, this deluge of falsehoods has produced social discord and adversely influenced public understanding of the pandemic, and how to deal with these unusual and challenging circumstances. Foreign nation states and non-state actors have been major producers of these falsehoods and therefore merit close attention. The best starting point for appreciating the potential and actual impacts of the digital COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is to explore the remarkable similarities between the spread of deceptive content in digital media, and biological pandemics. Jointly with Drs Korb and Mills, the author2 published research in late 2018 that exposes both the sensitivity of a population to the effects of “fake news”, and the sensitivity of “fake news” to costs incurred, leading us to subsequently provide evidence to the UK Parliament’s DCMS Select Committee’s Inquiry on Disinformation and ‘Fake News’, and the JSCEM in Australia. Many observations in this submission are drawn from that evidence. An important finding from our 2017-2018 research effort was that deceptive messaging in social media can produce serious disruption in consensus forming behaviors in groups of users. Since democracies rely upon some degree of consensus to function, these disruptive effects can produce impacts out of all proportion to the effort invested in producing them.