Cognitive warfare and Strategic communication: neuropsychological resilience and ethical challenges in polarized digital environments

Curator note

Strategic communication has been consolidated as an essential instrument in contemporary conflict management, crisis and social influence; with a key role in shaping public perceptions, behavioral orientation and protecting democratic resilience. Cognitive warfare, on the other hand, uses psychological operations, narrative manipulation and emotional provocation to destabilize societies and erode institutional confidence. This article examines the neuropsychological foundations of communicative and strategic rationality, the cognitive and emotional consequences of influence operations, and evidence-based interventions to strengthen cognitive resilience, especially in military populations. From frameworks from social neuroscience, military psychology and strategic communication, a comprehensive model is proposed that integrates technological, ethical and behavioral dimensions for the construction of resilience in increasingly polarized and saturated digital information environments.