Key methods of conducting hybrid warfare in the modern information space. Approaches to information technologies in relation to hybrid warfare
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Abstract
In the contemporary landscape of global conflicts, propaganda and disinformation have emerged as powerful tools within hybrid warfare, aimed at influencing public perception, destabilizing societies, and undermining adversaries. Propaganda can manifest in various forms, ranging from overt political messaging to subtle sociological influences disguised as private opinions. This complexity necessitates a clear understanding of the strategies and tactics employed in information warfare. Notably, the “4D” strategy—comprising denial, distortion, distraction, and dismay—provides a conceptual framework to analyze how propaganda functions and how it can be countered. Complementing this, the “4f” tactics encapsulate the common methods of fabricating news, media, experts, and events to mislead and manipulate audiences. This article aims to examine these strategies, uncover their psychological underpinnings, and explore their application in the digital age, particularly through social media platforms, which have become a significant battleground for information influence.
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