Cognitive Research in Political Studies

Cognitive Research in Political Studies

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cognitive Warfare

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Hossein Hojati Sayah
Tehran University- Tehran- Iran
10.20241403/CRPS.2511.1098.1.8.6
Abstract
Cognitive warfare, as one of the most complex and emerging forms of conflict in the contemporary world, focuses on controlling and altering the perceptions, beliefs, and cognitive behaviors of adversaries and has gained increasing significance alongside advances in digital and communication technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI), with its unprecedented capabilities in processing massive datasets, analyzing complex behavioral and cognitive patterns, predicting adversarial responses, and automating cognitive and psychological operations, has emerged as a transformative factor in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of cognitive warfare. This descriptive-analytical study, based on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, seeks to answer the question of how AI can be utilized as an effective tool for improving, automating, and increasing the effectiveness of cognitive and psychological operations in cognitive warfare, as well as identifying the ethical, technical, and legal challenges and implications associated with its application. The study hypothesizes that the integration of AI into cognitive warfare enhances the speed and accuracy of decision-making, optimizes resource allocation, reduces human risks, and improves the ability to predict and analyze adversarial behavior. The article examines various applications of AI, including the collection and analysis of cognitive data, adversarial behavior modeling, the generation and dissemination of targeted information campaigns, and support for strategic decision-making processes. Furthermore, it discusses key advantages such as enhanced decision-making speed and precision, the capability to process vast amounts of data, reduced risks and burdens on human personnel, optimized allocation of resources, and continuous learning capabilities of intelligent systems. Alongside these opportunities, the study addresses critical challenges and considerations, including ethical and legal concerns, the potential misuse of AI by malicious actors, limitations regarding algorithmic transparency and explainability, and the unpredictable consequences of self-learning technologies. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the necessity of developing comprehensive legal and ethical frameworks, strengthening human oversight, enhancing transparency and explainability, promoting specialized education and awareness, and expanding international cooperation as essential measures for the responsible and secure management of artificial intelligence in cognitive warfare.
Keywords
Artificial intelligence
cognitive warfare
cognitive data analysis
enemy behavior modeling
military technologies
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Cognitive Research in Political Studies
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 8
Spring Quarterly
Spring 2026
Pages 123-144

  • Receive Date 05 November 2025
  • Revise Date 04 December 2025
  • Accept Date 30 March 2026