Cognitive Warfare Is Cheap—and That’s the Problem

Sara Russo

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Cognitive warfare is frequently referred to as a derivative of influence, information, or emerging technologies. This essay, instead, posits that one of its most destabilizing aspects, often an untouched aspect, is economic: Cognitive warfare is relatively cheap to initiate but rather costly to counter. This disparity in costs subverts conventional deterrence logic and compels military and policy institutions to consider different ways of reacting to challenges that remain below the level of armed conflict.

Introduction: The Wrong Question

Much of the debate around cognitive warfare has been largely revolved around definitions. Is it merely a continuation of information operations? A kind of psychological warfare that uses digital technologies? Or is it a completely new domain? These questions have been at the center of policy debates, doctrinal documents, and public discussions. However, by focusing on these questions, an additional issue that is as significant as the starting point of a common definition has been overlooked.