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. © 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Author keywords
cognitive warfare; comprehensive approach; emerging and disruptive technologies; human cognition; target