Indo-Pacific Analysis Brief Vol 50
Disinformation and
cognitive warfare
January 2025
Alana Ford
Disinformation and cognitive warfare examines the pervasive threat of disinformation and cognitive warfare in the Indo-Pacific, where open information environments and complex geopolitical dynamics heighten vulnerabilities. From the historical evolution of information warfare to its modern manifestation powered by AI, social media, and data manipulation, the brief unpacks how these tactics are reshaping national security and undermining democratic institutions. Drawing on global examples, it highlights the implications for regional stability and democratic resilience.
Essential reading for policymakers, researchers, and professionals navigating the challenges of hybrid threats in a rapidly changing digital era. It outlines Australia’s multipronged approach, including legislative reforms, international partnerships, and public education efforts, offering practical insights to counter these evolving security threats and safeguard democratic values across the Indo-Pacific.
Key Messages
↗ Disinformation and cognitive warfare are evolving security threats that undermine democratic institutions, polarise societies, and manipulate public trust at a global scale.
↗ The digital revolution has amplified the speed, precision, and scale of disinformation campaigns.
↗ Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrates how cognitive warfare is deployed to legitimize unlawful acts of aggression and manipulate international narratives.
↗ Democracies in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, face heightened risks of disinformation and cognitive warfare due to their open information environments and the region’s complex geopolitical dynamics.
↗ Effective countermeasures require coordinated domestic and international efforts, leveraging regulation and multilateral partnerships like AUKUS and the Quad.
