4 January 2025

Narrative Intelligence in Internet-Based Military

Troy C. Troublefield, DBA, PhD

Introduction

The rapid proliferation of the internet and social media has transformed the landscape of information warfare, presenting new challenges and opportunities for MISO. In this digital age, misinformation has emerged as a significant threat, undermining the integrity of information and eroding trust in institutions. As irregular warfare (IW) increasingly moves into the cyber domain, the need for effective strategies to counter misinformation has become paramount. Therefore, the conceptualization of narrative intelligence as a critical tool in internet-based MISO will be explored by drawing upon the principles of cyberpsychology to inform narrative strategies (1). Information warfare, broadly defined, is the use and management of information to gain a competitive advantage over an adversary. It differs from traditional warfare, which primarily involves physical confrontation, by focusing on the cognitive and psychological aspects of conflict (2). Unlike hybrid warfare, which blends conventional and unconventional methods, information warfare in the context of IW emphasizes the manipulation of information flows and perceptions to achieve strategic objectives (3). This approach is particularly relevant in the digital age, where the battlespace extends beyond physical territories into the realm of social media, online communities, and digital platforms. In this context, narrative intelligence emerges as a crucial capability for navigating the complex information environment and effectively countering adversarial narratives (4).

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