Josh Baughman, analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University, discusses China's cognitive warfare program, including social media tactics, control of public opinion in China through WeChat, the power of language for shaping narratives, and the role of emerging technologies in cognitive warfare.
China adopts a pragmatic approach in cognitive warfare, borrowing successful strategies from the West and applying them to their own context.
Social media plays a crucial role in Chinese cognitive warfare, enabling the manipulation of emotions and the creation of insecurity and uncertainty in the enemy's camp.
Deep dives
The Role of Air University and China Aerospace Studies Institute
Air University serves as a center for Air Force education and research. China Aerospace Studies Institute focuses on understanding China's aerospace capabilities and decision-making processes.
Understanding Cognitive Warfare in the Chinese Context
Cognitive warfare is the process of shaping human cognition to weaken an adversary's will to fight. China adopts a pragmatic approach, looking at successful strategies from the West and applying them to their own context. Social media plays a crucial role in cognitive warfare, enabling the manipulation of emotions and the creation of insecurity and uncertainty in the enemy's camp.
Four Tactics Used in Chinese Cognitive Warfare
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) employs four main tactics: information disturbance, discourse competition, public opinion blackout, and block information. Information disturbance involves promoting official narratives through mainstream Chinese news sources. Discourse competition aims to shape cognition over time by subtly pushing biases and creating cognitive cocoons. Public opinion blackout floods social media with narratives that support the CCP's agenda, while blocking information involves restricting the dissemination of counter-narratives.
The Role of Technology in Cognitive Warfare
Emerging technologies like generative AI, social media, cyber attacks, wearables, virtual reality, and brain-computer interfaces play a significant role in cognitive warfare. Generative AI allows for tailored narratives and emotional manipulation. Social media acts as a battlefield for shaping cognition, while cyber attacks can disrupt decision-making and cause societal chaos. Wearables and virtual reality technology enhance soldier awareness and mental resilience. Brain-computer interfaces offer potential seamless cognitive cooperation with machines. Additionally, the metaverse and future immersive technologies are considered valuable tools for shaping cognition.
Andy talks about the complexities and goals of China's cognitive warfare program with Josh Baughman, an analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University.
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