Cognitive Warfare: Definition, Framework, and Case Study

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2603.05222v1
• Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:34:44 GMT
• Title: Cognitive Warfare: Definition, Framework, and Case Study
• Abstract summary: This article proposes a unified definition of cognitive warfare, introduces an interaction framework grounded in the OODA loop, and identifies measurable attributes associated with cognitive superiority.<n>To illustrate the use of the framework, a notional case study demonstrates how these concepts can be applied to assess cognitive attacks and defenses in a contested environment.
• Score: 3.357544650969485
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Cognitive warfare has emerged as a central feature of modern conflict, yet it remains inconsistently defined and difficult to evaluate. Existing approaches often treat cognitive operations as a subset of information operations, limiting the ability to assess cognitive attacker-defender interactions or determine when advantage has been achieved. This article proposes a unified definition of cognitive warfare, introduces an interaction framework grounded in the OODA loop, and identifies measurable attributes associated with cognitive superiority. To illustrate the use of the framework, a notional case study demonstrates how these concepts can be applied to assess cognitive attacks and defenses in a contested environment. Thus, the framework provides joint force leaders and analysts with a practical foundation for understanding, comparing, and evaluating cognitive warfare campaigns.

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