The Cognitive Crucible

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Chris Greenway discusses the origins and evolution of BBC Monitoring, a service that gathers news from various sources. BBC Monitoring began in the 1930s as a response to the BBC's external broadcasts, with the initial focus on Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. The British government showed interest in monitoring, leading to a partnership with the BBC. By the height of World War II, the service had expanded to a thousand people and developed a relationship with American partners. Chris also discusses the significant role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) as well as products and services offered by BBC Monitoring. Recording Date: 17 Feb 2025 Research Question: Chris Greenway suggests an interested student or researcher take part in a narrative assessment: have a look at Sputnik, or RT. What narrative are they trying to project to you? And can you “reverse engineer” those narratives to reveal the objective of the Russian government? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #148 Kalev Leetaru on GDELT BBC Monitoring Sefton Delmer Black boomerang by Sefton Delmer Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: Chris Greenway has worked for BBC Monitoring (BBCM) since 1981, helping the organisation’s users to understand the world and threats to international stability through coverage of global media. Joining the service in the shortwave era, he first worked at its signals-receiving station, providing colleagues with feeds from radio stations and news agencies around the world. Two years later he joined the editorial teams who compiled the regional editions of Monitoring’s daily newspaper, the Summary of World Broadcasts, working on the Soviet, East European, Middle East and Africa desks. That led to a total of eight years of postings to BBCM’s outstation in Nairobi, monitoring Africa, interspersed with duties back at BBCM’s UK HQ where he held various editorial and management posts. Since 2006, he has been part of a team coordinating the organisation’s daily global operations and output. Chris combines his work with a personal interest in the history of, and current developments in, broadcasting, media monitoring and international information warfare. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Janne Riihelainen, a communications expert and non-fiction writer, dives deep into the EU's Influence Operations Course aimed at boosting cybersecurity knowledge. He shares insights on the shifting local attitudes towards NATO in Finland post-Russian invasion and the challenges of the porous Finland-Russia border. Riihelainen highlights the significance of empowering citizens with tools to combat misinformation while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape, stressing the need for open dialogue amid rising tensions in Europe.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, John Cappello emphasized the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences in the Western United States to combat disinformation and influence social dynamics. He suggested several research areas, including the use of disinformation in the Western Balkans, the impact of disinformation on trust in institutions, and effective strategies for countering disinformation. John also encouraged interested students or researchers to reach out to him for potential collaboration. He recommended the book "Parting the Curtain" by Walter Hickson for a better understanding of the challenges faced in the region. Recording Date: 11 Feb 2025 Research Question: John Cappello suggests an interested student or researcher examine the disinformation tactics actors use within the Balkan region and which strategies have been successful to counter these efforts. Resources: Balkan Security Network Halyard Mission Foundation Parting the Curtain: Propaganda, Culture, and the Cold War, 1945-1961 by Walter L. Hixson Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History by Robert D. Kaplan Tim Judah Noel Malcolm Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: John Cappello, a 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force, is a founding partner and Chief Operations Officer of the Balkan Security Network (BSN). Specializing in defense and security issues, with a focus on hybrid warfare and information operations in the Western Balkans, his experience includes serving as Defense Attaché in Belgrade, Serbia, and U.S. Air Force Attaché in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Balkan Security Network specializes in defense and security information projects and disinformation analysis in the Western Balkans, providing fact-based news and analysis on these issues. BSN’s content is published across the region. John is also the president of the Halyard Mission Foundation. Founded in 2015 the goal of the Foundation is to educate, commemorate, and increase awareness of the Halyard Mission, the rescue of over 500 US airmen during WWII, and the role the Serbs played in the success of the mission. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Brian Hamel, a seasoned space operations officer with the United States Army Special Operations Command, dives into modern warfare's evolving landscape. He emphasizes the synergy between Special Operations Forces, cyberspace, and space in strategic planning, particularly looking toward the pivotal year of 2027. Hamel explains the importance of space-enabling infrastructure and the role of global ground stations in enhancing military logistics. He also discusses the complexities of national security and the need for international collaboration in information operations.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Jon Roginski and Stephanie Jaros discuss the strategic landscape for insider threat and workforce protection programs, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that considers both technical and human factors. They also explored the importance of balancing the use of analytics with human involvement in decision-making processes, and the need for organizations to be proactive in minimizing risks. Lastly, they discussed "Project Beyonce" and the importance of cultural development within organizations for workforce protection, and recommended groups for private sector involvement in security. Recording Date: 15 Jan 2025 Research Question: Stephanie Jaros suggests an interested student or researcher examine: How do organizations not leak highly sensitive information? (For example: “Project Beyonce”) Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #123 Jonathan Roginski on Insider Threats #73 Ori Brafman on The Starfish, Spider, and Resilient Societies Workforce Protection: The Next Generation of Insider Risk Programs On the Right Track: Worker-on-Worker Violence (“Project Beyonce”) by Stephanie L. Jaros, Katlin J. Rhyner, & Erik R. Gregory INFRAGARD Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life by James Kerr The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Dr. Jon Roginski is the Program Manager for the West Point Insider Threat Program, which serves as the "research arm" for the Pentagon-administered Army Insider Threat Program. Stephanie Jaros is an insider risk expert with 15 years of experience in program design, implementation, assessment, and research across government and industry. Currently, she is a Visiting Research Scientist and the Lead Scientist for Personnel Security Research at the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS). About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi, CEO and Founder of OpenMinds, discusses the pervasive influence of disinformation in today's society. He highlights how the decline of traditional institutions has fueled propaganda's rise, leading individuals to seek narratives that fulfill their existential needs. Sviatoslav also explores challenges in inferring truth through social media, the critical gaps in democratic defenses against misinformation, and emphasizes the struggle to maintain personal agency amidst overwhelming narratives. His insights reveal the complexities of combating authoritarian influences.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Libby Lange discusses her recent article: Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare: The Next Frontier in China’s Quest for Global Influence. Recording Date: 9 Dec 2024 Research Question: Libby Lange suggests an interested student or researcher:  Take the concept of Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare from the hypothetical and theoretical into the real world and find evidence of Chinese researchers who are actually retrieving data from data brokers. Investigate how Russia is pursuing adjacent or complementary Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare capabilities. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #210 Paul Groestad on Cognitive Warfare #187 Randy Rosin on Reflexive Control Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare: The Next Frontier in China’s Quest for Global Influence by Libby Lange Decoding China’s AI-Powered ‘Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare’ by Libby Lange Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) Active Measures by Thomas Rid Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: Libby Lange is a Director of Intelligence at the Special Competitive Studies Project. Prior to SCSP, Libby worked as an Intel Analyst at Graphika, where she focused on Chinese state-linked influence operations and public health misinformation. Prior to Graphika, she served as a speechwriter and communications manager for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanying the President on multiple state visits. Libby holds an M.A. in Global Affairs from Yale University and a B.A. in Political Science from National Taiwan University. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Executive Director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, discusses the importance of media literacy in today's world, emphasizing its role in developing critical thinking, effective communication, and active citizenship. Michelle highlights the challenges of navigating the vast and complex information landscape, the need for community involvement in addressing media literacy issues, and the importance of supporting foundational work in this space. Learn about the complexities of the current media ecosystem, the shift from a consumer-centric to a participatory culture, and the challenges this presents for understanding and processing information. Recording Date: 5 Dec 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #107 Vanessa Otero on News Ecosystem Health National Association for Media Literacy Education Join NAMLE here Assessment: IREX Learn to Discern Journal of Media Literacy Education News Literacy Project Sam Wineburg’s group, formerly Stanford History Education Group, now Digital Inquiry Group Invisible Rulers by Renee DiResta Growing Up Public by Devorah Heitner  News Literacy Now, How to Read the News by Bobbie Eisenstock Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: Michelle Ciulla Lipkin has served as Executive Director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education since 2012. Michelle has helped NAMLE grow to be the preeminent media literacy education association in the U.S. She launched Media Literacy Week in the U.S. now in its 10th year, developed strategic partnerships with companies such as Thomson Reuters, Meta, YouTube, and Nickelodeon, and restructured both the governance and membership of NAMLE. She has overseen seven national conferences, created the National Media Literacy Alliance for teacher membership organizations, and done countless appearances at conferences and in the media regarding the importance of media literacy education. Michelle was the recipient of the 2020 Global Media and Information Literacy Award given by UNESCO.  Michelle is an alumni of the U.S. Dept. of State’s International Visitors Program (Australia/2018). She regularly serves as Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College where she teaches Media Literacy. She sits on the Advisory Council for the ML3: Librarians as Leaders for Media Literacy initiative led by Project Look Sharp.  Michelle began her career in children’s television production, in various roles on both corporate and production teams. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from New York University. Michelle focused her grad work on children and television where she caught the “media literacy bug”. After graduate school, Michelle worked as a facilitator for The LAMP (Learning about Multimedia Project) teaching media literacy and production classes for Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade students. Her passion for media literacy education stems from a very personal place. Learn more about Michelle’s story here. When not thinking about media literacy, Michelle is either sitting at home in Brooklyn with her dog and husband, most likely reading, or at one of her kids’ music gigs somewhere around the country. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Paul Groestad, a Norwegian naval officer and expert in cognitive warfare, delves into the critical issue of how information is weaponized in modern conflicts. He discusses NATO's strategic initiatives to counter emerging threats, particularly in the context of AI and misinformation. The conversation highlights the intricate relationship between space and information environments and warns of vulnerabilities in Western democracies. Groestad also shares insights on ethical dilemmas in monitoring these threats without compromising democratic values.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, John Kinder discusses his new book: World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age. This discussion focused on the historical use of animals in international diplomacy and wartime propaganda. Pandas, initially unknown outside China, became popular after being brought to the US in the 1930s. They were used as symbols of friendship and diplomatic gestures between countries. During World War II, zoos and animals played a significant role in propaganda efforts. The evacuation of a panda from the London Zoo boosted morale, while in the United States staged photographs of animals performing patriotic tasks were used to inspire support for the war. In contrast, the Tokyo Zoo euthanized animals to demonstrate sacrifice, and the Soviet Union's efforts to keep animals alive during the siege of Leningrad symbolized resistance. John highlights how different countries utilized animals in zoos during wartime, reflecting their varying approaches to propaganda and morale-boosting. Recording Date: 19 Nov 2024 Research Question: John Kinder suggests an interested student or researcher examine What roles can zoos play in 21st century conservation efforts? What are zoos’ limitations? How do we limit the suffering of zoo animals caught up in contemporary military conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza? To what extent do contemporary governments continue to use institutions like zoos to leverage their power and influence on the global stage? For the longest time, Americans have tended to view World War II as the “Good War”? Is that changing? Should we criticize World War II’s reputation, in historian Michael C. C. Adams’ words, as the “best war ever”? Increasingly, scholars argue that we need to seek out “multispecies” solutions (involving humans, animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, etc.) to solve 21st century problems such as climate change. Do you think that’s the case? How might multispecies perspectives help us see the world—and its problems—in new ways? War is not the only danger facing zoo animals. In recent years, zoo animals have died in floods, wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, famines, and periods of social, economic, and political unrest. How does society manufacture “vulnerability,” and what are some of the ways we can ensure that the most vulnerable—human and animal—don’t bear the brunt of disasters? Resources: John Kinder Oklahoma State University World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age by John M. Kinder Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran by John M. Kinder Panda Diplomacy Ping-pong diplomacy Whipsnade Zoo near London Haus des Meeres zoo/aquarium in Vienna Austria Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: John M. Kinder is director of American Studies and professor of history at Oklahoma State University. He is the author of Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran, published by the University of Chicago Press, and coeditor of Service Denied: Marginalized Veterans in Modern American History. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.