The Cognitive Crucible

During this episode, Emma Chiu of Wunderman Thompson discusses global trends which affect brands as well as the competition for attention. She describes growing anxiety and a sense of urgency as some trends--especially trends mapped to digital and technology capabilities--seem to have accelerated during the COVID crisis. Brands are also grappling with Gen Z consumers and how they are driving cultural shifts; for example, Emma describes how younger generations engage in employee activism and are beginning to hold their employers accountable for social values. She observes that relatively new platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse are evolving quickly which presents adaptation challenges for brands. Finally, we discuss value-based marketing where some brands pursue non-linear approaches in order to pleasantly surprise consumers and “future proof” their messaging for the long term. Full show notes with resources Guest Bio: Emma Chiu leads Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, the agency’s in-house futures and innovation think-tank. Emma consults with brands on how to build long-term strategies based on qualitative and quantitative insight that incorporates cultural and behavioral change, sector innovation and zeitgeist shifts. Emma spearheaded the launch of the Wunderman Thompson Intelligence “Future 100” Report, which helps people prepare for emerging consumer behavior with 100 original trend predictions from Wunderman Thompson Intelligence. Split into 10 categories, each trend delivers a digestible snapshot of movements so far, while clearly explaining why brands and marketers should pay attention. Emma’s foresight and thought leadership has been picked up by global publications and has been featured in The Telegraph, Creative Review, New York Magazine, Dazed Digital and Vogue. She is also a member of the WARC Awards 2020 judging panel and The International Color Awards 2020 judging panel. In addition, Emma regularly speaks at international conferences including SXSW Interactive, Adobe Max and Pause Fest. 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.

During this episode, Mr. August Cole discusses fictional intelligence (or FICINT) and how it can help leaders understand emerging concepts such as the cognitive warfighting domain. August observes that plausible fictionalized future scenarios which are rooted in academic research communicate to leaders and decision makers better than do white papers and powerpoint slides. He also emphasizes the importance of experimentation and stress testing ideas. One of August’s primary goals with his writing is to use FICINT and narrative to prevent strategic surprise. Link to full show notes Bio: August Cole is an author exploring the future of conflict through fiction and other forms of Fictional Intelligence storytelling (also known as “FICINT”). His talks, short stories, and workshops have taken him from speaking at the Nobel Institute in Oslo to presenting at SXSW Interactive. With Peter W. Singer, he is the co-author of the best-seller “Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War” and “Burn In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution”. August is also a non-resident fellow at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity at Marine Corps University and a non-resident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center on Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council. 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.

During this episode, Dr. Greg Treverton, who was the Director of the National Intelligence Council during the second Obama Administration, provides an Intelligence Community perspective on the information problem. Our wide ranging conversation covers findings contained in the 2017 Global Trends Report including vivid warnings about disease and climate-related national security matters. Greg has also written extensively about data governance and how data should be at the very top of our management concerns going forward. The episode concludes with a discussion about patriotism, shared responsibility, and and #wholeofsociety efforts designed to counter threats to democracy. Link to show notes Bio: Dr. Gregory Treverton is the Chair of the Global TechnoPolitics Forum. He stepped down as chairman of the National Intelligence Council in January 2017. He is a senior adviser with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a professor of the practice of international relations and Spatial Sciences at the University of Southern California. Earlier, he directed the RAND Corporation’s Center for Global Risk and Security and before that its Intelligence Policy Center and its International Security and Defense Policy Center. Also, he was associate dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He has served in government for the first Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He has taught at Harvard and Columbia universities, in addition to RAND, been a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and deputy director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. He holds an AB summa cum laude from Princeton University and a Master’s in Public Policy and PhD in economics and politics from Harvard. 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.

During this episode, former CIA leader, George Beebe, discusses the nature of wicked problems. The wide ranging discussion covers complex adaptive systems, feedback loops, inadvertent nuclear escalation, leaderless organizations, information access, and extremist radicalization. Link to full show notes and resources Bio: George Beebe is Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for the National Interest, a foreign affairs think tank. He spent more than two decades in government as an intelligence analyst, diplomat, and policy advisor, including as director of the CIA's Russia analysis and as a staff advisor on Russia matters to Vice President Cheney.  Following his government service, he became president of a technology company that measured audience response to events, issues, and commercial brands. His book, The Russia Trap: How Our Shadow War with Russia Could Spiral into Nuclear Catastrophe, examines how new game-changing technology, disappearing rules of the game, and distorted perceptions on both sides have locked Moscow and Washington into a dangerous escalatory spiral that neither side recognizes. 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.

During this episode, Dr. Chase Cunningham discusses the evolving nature of cyber. He asserts that cyber is a key component of national policy, national capability, and warfare. We touch on the concept of a perimeter and why he asserts the “perimeter is dead.” Additionally, Chase recounts examples of COVID-related disinformation and deepfake technologies which have ramifications both in national security and corporate security. The conversation shifts gears into a discussion about Cynja, which is a program designed to educate and protect children from cyber-related threats--including polymorphic malware, DDOS command and control, antiviral signatures, and cognitive overload. See this link for full show notes and links to resources. Bio: Dr. Chase Cunningham is the Chief Strategy Officer at Ericom Software. Chase is the creator of the Zero Trust eXtended framework and a cybersecurity expert with decades of operational experience with the National Security Agency, US Navy, FBI Cyber Division, and other government mission groups. Chase is responsible for Ericom’s overall strategy and technology alignment. Chase was previously VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research; Director of Threat Intelligence for Armor; Director of Cyber Analytics for Decisive Analytics; and Chief Cryptologic Technician, US Navy. He’s author of the Cynja series and Cyber Warfare: Truth, Tactics, and Strategies. 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

During this episode, Dr. Jan Kallberg and COL Stephen Hamilton of the Army Cyber Institute at West Point discuss their recent article, “How To Protect Troops From An Assault In The Cognitive Domain.” After reviewing some historical examples where the will to fight influenced decisively military outcomes, Jan and Stephen discuss how information is likely being used in a modern version of battlefield prep--eroding the will to fight both in the military and across the homeland. Then, they mention some leading indicators to be on the lookout for which might suggest the will to fight is weakening and they articulate some cognitive force protection considerations including privacy concerns and misinformation training. Click here for full show notes & resources Bios: Dr. Jan Kallberg is a Research Scientist with the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, and an Assistant Professor in Political Science with the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy. Before joining the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, he was a researcher with the Cyber Security Research and Education Institute, the University of Texas at Dallas, working for Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham. Dr. Kallberg earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas and holds a J.D. from the University of Stockholm. COL Stephen Hamilton is a Cyber officer and former Information System Management officer and former Signal officer. He has held numerous command and staff assignments at the tactical and operation unit levels as well as with the Joint Staff. Stephen is currently the Technical Director of the Army Cyber Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Auburn University, and a PhD in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University. 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, you can connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell on LinkedIn.

This is a very special dual release episode of the Cognitive Crucible. Our friends over at the PSYWAR podcast are also releasing this via their channel. During this episode, IPA founding member, Austin Branch, is joined by COL Jeremy Mushtare, who commands the US Army’s 8th Psychological Operations Group. Jeremy discusses PSYOP manpower matters and then Austin contrasts roles and responsibilities between PSYOP soldiers and FA30s who tend to be more on the staff integration side of information operations. Then, the discussion turns to cognitive security partnerships, competition below the level of armed conflict, and initiatives. See this link for full show notes and resources. About the PSYWAR Podcast: Cognitive Crucible listeners can follow this link and check out the PSYWAR podcast. The PSYWAR podcast demystifies psychological operations, informs soldiers about how they can join the PSYOP regiment, discusses the future of Information Warfare, and sprinkles in some cool war stories. Bios: Colonel Jeremy Mushtare is the Commanding Officer of the US Army’s 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). During his Army career, Jeremy has held numerous command and staff positions. His last assignment was at the Pentagon as Director for Information Operations in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC). Mr. Austin Branch is an Information Operations pioneer, practitioner and leader. He holds the distinction of being the Army’s very first FA30 Information Operations officer when that career field was just forming in the 1980s. While in uniform, he served at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Since retiring from the Army, Mr. Branch served in several senior executive civilian roles within the Department of Defense which focused on information operations, cyber, and counter-terrorism. Austin is also one of the founding members of 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, you can connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell on LinkedIn.  

James Farwell, national security expert, discusses strategic communications and information warfare, comparing Russian and Chinese strategies. He highlights NIKE's successful marketing narratives. The podcast also covers the role of values in messaging and offers book recommendations on military strategy.

Prioritizing and funding cognitive and information-related capability is challenging. During this episode, Mark Mitchell recaps recent efforts within the Department of Defense as well as other United States government interagency efforts which have not reached their full potential. Bio: Mark Mitchell is a former senior executive in the Department of Defense who served most recently as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/LIC)). He is a highly decorated U.S. Army infantry and Special Forces combat veteran who served 28 years on active duty. He participated in multiple campaigns in the First Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2012, Colonel Mitchell served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Senior Military Assistant to ASD(SO/LIC). His final assignment in uniform was on the National Security Council as the Director for Counterterrorism. Following his retirement from active duty, Mitchell worked as a business executive in the private sector. He also served as a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and non-resident fellow at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. He is also a board member and advisor to several non-profit organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families, including Warriors Ethos, Gold Star Teen Adventures, the Global SOF Foundation, and Special Operations Survivors. See this link for show notes. See this link for more information about the Phoenix Challenge 2.0 Conference co-hosted by IPA and ARLIS. 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, you can connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell on LinkedIn.

What influence plays are being run against us? How do they work? And how are they countered or co-opted? During this episode, Alan Kelly discusses strategic communications and how his Taxonomy of Influence Strategies may be used to see past the messaging and into the motives of competitors. His recently published co-authored piece, “Decoding Crimea,” contains a compelling case study that taps his taxonomy to expose the moves and methods of Vladimir Putin’s IO playbook. Link to show notes and resources here. Bio: Alan Kelly is a strategist, author, lecturer, political analyst, and award-winning Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He is Founder and Principal of Playmaker Systems, LLC, a Bethesda MD-based strategy and analytics firm. Kelly’s work is driven by a simple idea: That influence – like chemistry, biology and even music – can be decoded and managed through a standard system of unique units. He holds a MA in Communication Research from Stanford and a BA in Public Relations from USC. Follow him on Twitter at the handle @playmakeralan. 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. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Or, you can connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell on LinkedIn.