Cognitive Superiority
Cognitive Superiority
COGNITIVE SUPERIORITY
AN EMERGENT ASPECT OF HYBRID WARFARE
Abstract: Cognitive superiority emerges as a new aspect to be considered in the context of hybrid warfare.
Whether from an individual perspective or a social standpoint, relevant aspects can be identified through which
cognitive superiority/inferiority can reveal advantages/disadvantages that can be exploited in a multidimensional
hybrid war. We aim to explore how cognitive superiority can be used in hybrid warfare, addressing various aspects
such as analysis and anticipation, countering disinformation and manipulation, techniques of influence and
psychological aggression, the use of technology and artificial intelligence, data mining and what it can reveal about
various aspects of society, as well as the importance of collaboration and information exchange.
We will also identify ways to increase resilience to aggression and policies for achieving cognitive superiority.
Who are the actors and what relevant policies can be implemented to enhance the ability to withstand knowledge-
based aggression? We will emphasize the role of education and the influence of media and social media, the protection
of critical infrastructures, especially in the cyber domain, collaboration and information exchange. We also highlight
critical thinking and resilience to manipulation, research, innovation, ethics in the use of disruptive technologies, and
the legislative framework in which they can operate.
The multidimensionality of hybrid warfare requires decision-makers and stakeholders involved in
maintaining and developing security to consider the extensive implications of competitive advantages that can be
derived from the exploitation of cognitive superiority, as well as the vulnerabilities that can be identified in the area
of interest in the context of cognitive inferiority compared to a presumed hostile actor.
Keywords: cognitive superiority, hybrid warfare, foresight, manipulation, data mining, artificial intelligence,
critical thinking.
Introduction
In a rapidly changing world, where knowledge and technology are expanding, cognitive
superiority has become a crucial subject of interdisciplinary research. The ability to process
information, learn rapidly, and cope with complex cognitive challenges is more valuable than ever,
whether in academic or professional performance, or in the broader context of societal security
and stability. Hybrid warfare, characterized by a combination of conventional military tactics and
non-military operations such as disinformation, propaganda, and subversive cyber and economic
maneuvers, has emerged as a major challenge in the contemporary world.
Initially, we aim to explore the concepts of hybrid warfare and cognitive superiority. We
will examine cognitive superiority from three complementary perspectives: as an individual
attribute of cognitive excellence, as a collective aspect of it, and as a vital instrument within the
context of hybrid warfare.
Hybrid warfare is a concept that describes a complex form of conflict, integrating both
conventional and unconventional methods in a multifaceted and multidimensional approach. This
type of warfare involves the simultaneous use of political, economic, military, informational, and
psychological tools to gain strategic advantages and undermine the adversary. Key characteristics
of hybrid warfare include the utilization of asymmetric tactics, disinformation and propaganda,
cyber-attacks, infiltration and destabilization of institutions, and manipulation of public opinion.
Individual-level cognitive superiority represents superior performance in a variety of
cognitive tasks, including thinking, reasoning, learning, memory, and attention. At the societal and
strategic level, cognitive superiority within the context of hybrid warfare entails the ability to
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understand, anticipate, and effectively respond to the complex and often hidden threats posed by
this type of conflict.
We intend to highlight the possibilities for improving cognitive abilities, both at the
individual and societal levels, to meet emerging challenges. We will explore how different
institutions - governments, media, educational organizations - can contribute to the cultivation and
promotion of cognitive superiority.
Ultimately, the goal of this presentation is to underscore the importance of cognitive
superiority and stimulate further discussions and research in this fascinating and critically
important field.
Hybrid warfare
Hybrid warfare refers to a modern form of conflict in which a combination of conventional
and unconventional tactics and strategies is used to gain advantages in the fight against the
adversary. The term has become more frequently used in recent decades as we have witnessed the
evolution of threats and technologies in the military and informational spheres. The characteristics
of hybrid warfare include the use of both traditional war tools and tactics, such as military forces
and their striking power, along with unconventional tactics such as information warfare,
disinformation, propaganda, cyber-attacks, and influencing public opinion. The goal of hybrid
warfare is to undermine the opponent, gain strategic advantages, and obtain control over desired
territories or resources. In hybrid warfare, the enemy can employ asymmetric methods to exploit
the vulnerabilities of its opponent and avoid direct confrontation. These methods include cyber-
attacks on critical infrastructure, information manipulation and disinformation, influencing
political and economic processes, and the use of non-state or paramilitary forces. An important
aspect of hybrid warfare is the use of information technologies and tools to influence public
opinion, manipulate perceptions, and create divisions within society. Disinformation and
propaganda play a key role in this strategy, aiming to undermine trust in the institutions and values
of the opponent, create confusion, and manipulate the feelings and attitudes of the population. It
is a complex and subtle form of warfare that requires innovative and multidimensional approaches
to address its challenges. It is important to adapt and prepare for hybrid warfare in the
contemporary world by developing superior cognitive abilities, promoting resilience against
cognitive aggressions, and implementing policies and strategies that ensure the effective
acquisition and use of cognitive superiority. Through these efforts, we can protect society as a
whole and generate factors that enhance security and social stability in the face of hybrid warfare
challenges.
1
Gerasimov, V., Value of science is in foresight: New challenges require rethinking the forms and methods of carrying
out combat operations. Military Review, 2013.
2
Kahneman, D. Thinking, fast and slow. Macmillan, 2011.
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In the context of hybrid warfare, cognitive superiority becomes essential in countering
enemy tactics and manipulations3. By using superior cognitive abilities, one can analyze and
anticipate the actions and intentions of the enemy, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.
This allows for the development of appropriate strategies and strategic preparedness, providing a
significant advantage over the enemy.
Countering disinformation and manipulation is also a crucial aspect of cognitive
superiority. The skills of critical evaluation and discernment enable the detection and rejection of
manipulative messages, exposing disinformation and influence strategies. The ability to analyze
and evaluate information objectively and rationally helps protect the population and one's own
interests against enemy manipulation.
The increasingly heated discussions from the public space regarding artificial intelligence
and its impact on all sectors of life. The use of advanced technologies such as data analysis and
artificial intelligence amplifies the processing and interpretation capacity of information for
achieving cognitive superiority4. These technologies provide a deeper understanding of the
opponent and the situation, allowing for the identification and exploitation of real-time
opportunities. The use of superior cognitive abilities in psychological techniques of influence can
manipulate the opponents’ behavior, undermining their position and facilitating the achievement
of one's own objectives.
In addition to these aspects, cognitive superiority also involves other crucial elements. One
of them, which we consider noteworthy, is the development of an organizational culture that
encourages and promotes critical thinking, innovation, and continuous learning5. By creating an
environment that values ideas and contributions from all members, the development of superior
cognitive abilities among personnel is stimulated, laying a solid foundation for achieving cognitive
superiority in the context of hybrid warfare.
Furthermore, collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential aspects in achieving
cognitive superiority. By collaborating with other actors in the field of security and exchanging
information and expertise, diverse perspectives and additional resources can be leveraged. This
collaboration and knowledge exchange enable the development of more effective strategies and
tactics that can enhance the capacity to respond and adapt to the specific challenges of hybrid
warfare.
Indeed, cognitive superiority in hybrid warfare also requires a deep and nuanced
understanding of information and informational manipulation, disinformation and propaganda,
mass psychology, and geopolitics. It requires the ability to navigate and accurately comprehend
concepts in an information-saturated environment where reality can be constructed and
deconstructed, manipulated and distorted. It requires the capacity to decode subtle signals and
comprehend complex and often ambiguous connections between events, ideas, and individuals.
Cognitive superiority, in this sense, is to some extent an art - the art of finding truth amidst chaos,
of discerning patterns in complexity, of extracting meaning from noise. But it is also a science -
the science of data analysis, artificial intelligence, social psychology, cryptography, and many
other disciplines that enable the collection, processing, and interpretation of information.
Within the context of hybrid warfare, one of the essential elements for gaining strategic
advantages and countering enemy tactics is cognitive superiority. The ability to effectively employ
superior cognitive abilities in both offensive and defensive maneuvers becomes crucial for success
in this complex and unconventional type of conflict6. In this chapter, we aim to explore how
3
Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H.. Information Disorder: Toward an interdisciplinary framework for research and policy
making. Council of Europe, 2017.
4
Kitchin, R. The data revolution: Big data, open data, data infrastructures and their consequences. SAGE, 2014.
5
Pink, D. H. - Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. Riverhead Books, 2009.
6
Sternberg, R. J. - Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. Cambridge University Press, 2017.
322
cognitive superiority can be used in hybrid warfare, addressing various aspects such as analysis
and anticipation, countering disinformation and manipulation, techniques of influence and
psychological aggression, the use of technology and artificial intelligence, data mining, and the
importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
7
Johnson, N. F. - The online war against truth and freedom of speech. Oxford University Press, 2018.
8
Russell, S. J., & Norvig, P. - Artificial intelligence: a modern approach. Malaysia; Pearson Education Limited, 2016.
323
Data mining
Data mining represents an important method for gaining strategic advantages in hybrid
warfare. By employing data mining techniques, valuable information can be analyzed and
extracted from large volumes of data, providing a deeper understanding of the enemy and their
intentions. This includes the identification of patterns, trends, and significant relationships in the
collected data, allowing for the anticipation of actions and the development of appropriate
strategies. Data mining can contribute to identifying enemy vulnerabilities, identifying
opportunities, and developing personalized tactics and strategies that confer competitive
advantages within the conflict. By effectively utilizing data and applying data mining techniques,
informed decisions can be made, resulting in a significant strategic advantage in hybrid warfare.
Cognitive superiority is a crucial aspect in the context of hybrid warfare and cognitive
aggression. In this study, we have examined how cognitive superiority can be used both offensively
and defensively to achieve strategic advantages and also counter enemy aggression.
We have discussed the importance of analyzing and anticipating enemy actions and
intentions, highlighting those superior cognitive abilities that enable the development of effective
and context-adapted strategies in hybrid warfare. By understanding and accurately interpreting
information, we can identify and evaluate potential threats and vulnerabilities of the opponent,
thereby gaining a competitive advantage in this type of conflict.
Furthermore, we have emphasized the significance of countering disinformation and
manipulation in hybrid warfare. Cognitive superiority empowers us to critically evaluate received
information, detect and reject manipulative messages, and counter disinformation and influence
strategies. By promoting critical thinking and information evaluation skills, we can develop a
society resilient to such aggression and capable of navigating the complex information
environment.
Regarding technology and artificial intelligence, we have observed that they can amplify
cognitive superiority in hybrid warfare. The use of advanced technologies such as data mining and
data analysis enables more efficient processing and interpretation of information, providing a
deeper understanding of the situation and the opponent. Additionally, artificial intelligence can be
utilized to develop algorithms and machine learning models that support strategic and tactical
decision-making.
Data mining has also been addressed as a means to exploit information and identify patterns
or trends that can provide an advantage in hybrid warfare. By analyzing and evaluating data, we
can gain comprehensive perspectives and make more informed real-time decisions. However, it is
important to ensure ethical use of data and comply with privacy and data protection laws and
regulations.
Furthermore, we have highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing.
Through collaboration among government agencies, international organizations, academic
institutions, and the private sector, we can benefit from expertise and resources to develop complex
tactics and strategies. The exchange of knowledge and information can enhance our capacity to
anticipate and counter cognitive aggression and gain competitive advantages in hybrid warfare.
In light of the findings of this study, certain directions for development in the field of
cognitive superiority and countering cognitive aggression emerge. A interdisciplinary approach
that integrates education, technology, policy, and international collaboration is necessary. Schools
and institutions that generate educational or cultural contexts (such as think tanks, NGOs, cultural
associations, etc.) must adapt to new challenges and provide learning or impact programs that
develop the cognitive abilities needed to navigate the complex information environment. A special
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mention should be made for the media and its impact on society. A free press that provides quality
content can significantly impact both societal resilience to aggression and the growth of cognitive
abilities at a social level.
Moreover, it is important to create and implement appropriate policies and regulations that
ensure transparency, accountability, and ethics in technology use and data collection and
processing. National and international collaboration needs to be strengthened through the
establishment of strategic alliances and platforms for the exchange of information and best
practices.
To conclude, success in achieving cognitive superiority and countering cognitive
aggression depends on our ability to adapt and be proactive in the face of changing challenges. By
continuously developing knowledge and cognitive abilities and using technology responsibly, we
can navigate the complex information environment and effectively counter aggression in hybrid
warfare.
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