Cognitive Research in Political Studies

Cognitive Research in Political Studies

Cognitive warfare tactics against the target community and promoting resistance strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Author
national defense university
Abstract
Cognitive warfare is the control of the mental state and behavior of others through the manipulation of environmental stimuli. Unlike physical targets, such as network systems or electronic devices, cognitive warfare is used to manipulate what people believe and thus influence public perceptions. In this regard, the main issue of this article is to survey and examine the tactics used in cognitive warfare against the target community and to examine the consequences and strategies for resisting it. This article, using a qualitative documentary-library method and its content analysis, after reviewing the theoretical literature related to cognitive warfare of the type of "non-movement wars", has concluded that the main tactics of cognitive warfare include propaganda, fabricated narratives, behavioral psychology, the use of personal data, the use of social networks and digital platforms that intensify the effects of this war. In contrast, in order to create cognitive defense, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the mechanisms of this war and to develop defensive and resistance strategies against it. These requirements for cognitive defense include media education, digital literacy, public awareness campaigns, cognitive policy and regulation, and the need for international cooperation to create societies that are resilient and aware of cognitive manipulation.
Keywords

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Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 8
Spring Quarterly
Spring 2026
Pages 1-21

  • Receive Date 27 September 2025
  • Revise Date 30 November 2025
  • Accept Date 21 April 2026