Jay Janzen’s Post

Peter Pomerantsev and Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi have published a compelling case in Foreign Policy on the need for the west to act decisively in the cognitive domain. The article cites three big questions on contesting for cognitive advantage with adversaries. Question 1: Does it work? The authors cite examples of slowing Russia’s efforts to recruit new soldiers, which had some success. They go on to suggest that other issues might be more effective, such as: criminals in the army, failure to pay promised compensation when soldiers are killed, and the degradation of social services in Russia. Question 2: Can it bypass heavy censorship? The article refers to Ukraine’s successes using social media, online video ads, and satellite TV and the cat and mouse game over access via VPNs and other technology. The authors stress that the trick is to provide content that is so important to audiences that they will be prepared to seek it. This necessitates a deep understanding of the audiences we wish to reach, along with communications that meet their needs. Question 3: Can NATO conduct this ethically? The writers are clear that NATO’s efforts will not imitate the Kremlin’s “toolbox of lies.” There is scope for military deception and Psychological operations during crisis and conflict, but wider efforts do not need to hide their origins and should focus on widening understanding while minimizing risk for audiences. The article concludes with a call for collaboration across civil, government and military sectors in order to build “cognitive deterrence.” The authors note that NATO’s ongoing work on the Cognitive Warfare Concept is a positive step in the right direction. https://lnkd.in/edk2GG2r