Cognitive Research in Political Studies

Cognitive Research in Political Studies

Jihad of Explanation: A Strategy to Counter Cognitive Warfare with Emphasis on the Views of Ayatollah Khamenei

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mostafa Ghorbani - Assistant Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, Shahid Mahalati Higher Education Complex, Qom, Iran. Ghorbani.M@smc.ac.ir
Abstract
Cognitive warfare, as one of the axes of hybrid warfare employed by adversaries against the Islamic Republic of Iran, is based on distorting and misrepresenting realities related to Iran. From the perspective of the Supreme Leader, the "Jihad of Explanation" (Jihad al-Tabyin) is the solution to counter this type of warfare. Therefore, the main question of the present research is: "How can an effective Jihad of Explanation be conducted against cognitive warfare?" Using qualitative content analysis and by addressing the formation and function of hyperreality in cognitive warfare, the findings indicate that the Jihad of Explanation, as a rigorous effort toward enlightenment, accurate and precise narration, and truth-telling in the face of the enemy's cognitive warfare, is a definitive, urgent, and universal obligation. For an effective Jihad of Explanation, in addition to practical and problem-solving actions by revolutionary officials and elites, the media must also play a role. This includes creating a stream of explanation to monitor distortions and provide timely enlightenment, ensuring the accurate dissemination of positive and hopeful news, explaining the nature and achievements of the Islamic Revolution, addressing the root causes of inefficiencies and weaknesses in the country, highlighting the opportunities in economic warfare, elucidating the capacities of the Islamic Revolution, and validating an inward-looking approach to solving the country's existing problems, among other measures.
Keywords

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Volume 1, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Winter Quarterly
Winter 2025
Pages 76-96

  • Receive Date 27 November 2024
  • Revise Date 10 January 2025
  • Accept Date 26 February 2025