journal article
Weaponizing the mind – emerging technologies in cognitive warfare
Abstract
This paper investigates the transformative impact of emerging
technologies – such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and
immersive technologies – on the nature of cognitive warfare. It
argues that these advancements are shifting cognitive warfare
from a tactical subset of information operations to a full-
spectrum, strategic challenge. The central argument is that the
synergy between neuroscience and digital technologies will
enable the development of neuro-cognitive weapons,
fundamentally altering the concept of warfare by directly
targeting human cognition. By framing cognitive warfare as a
multi-domain threat, the paper advocates for a whole-of-society
defence approach, which emphasises the protection of a nation’s
“cognitive infrastructure” and the cultivation of “cognitive
resilience” amongst its citizens to counter this evolving threat
and preserve democratic integrity. A conceptual framework is
employed in this paper, combining cross-disciplinary literature
review, comparative analysis of democratic and authoritarian
cognitive vulnerabilities, and synthesis of current trends in
technological innovation.
Author keywords
Cognitive warfare; emerging and disruptive technologies; target; human cognition; comprehensive approach