journal article

Shock and awe: the effects of disinformation in military confrontation

Clements M.T.

Publication year: 2014
Source / journal: policy studies
Country of origin: USA
Language: English
Authors’ affiliations: Economics Department, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, United States
Import source: Scopus export

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of disinformation in a military conflict. If one army distorts its opponents' perception of its ability, this will create a greater propensity for soldiers on the opposing side to surrender. The sender of disinformation will thus have a greater probability of victory. However, disinformation may also lengthen the battle and increase the total number of casualties. This depends not only on the degree of disinformation but also on whether and to what extent the sender of disinformation is superior to the receiver. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Author keywords

asymmetric information, beliefs, disinformation, updating, warfare

Open DOI