Cognitive warfare and the weaponization of neuroscience with emerging technologies

Curator note

In contemporary multi-domain warfare, the rapid advancement of emerging technologies have elevated cognitive warfare as a decisive mode of conflict. Within this domain, the human brain itself functions simul-taneously as a weapon, a target, and the battlespace. To secure superiority in future wars, intensive research is underway on brain–computer interfaces (BCI), augmented cognition technologies, and neuroscience applications aimed at neural manipulation, neuropharmacology, and cognitive control—often in conjunction with artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other converging technologies. Since 2002, the United States has conceptualized the brain as a battlespace, pursuing the integration of NBIC (Nano-technology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science) to enhance and weaponize human cognition. Building upon—and competing with—U.S. advancements, China has rapidly developed its own doctrines, strategies, and technologies for cognitive warfare. Contemporary Chinese approaches have evolved beyond the earlier frameworks of Unrestricted Warfare and the Three Warfares doctrine, drawing insights from both Russian and American models of cognitive and hybrid operations. China is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to expand its cognitive warfare capabilities, particularly in the militarization of neuroscience and the development of neuro-weapons. Reports further indicate that China may already surpass the United States and Russia in select AI and biotechnological innovations. Given China’s geopolitical, military, economic, historical, and cultural influence on South Korea, the potential risks and implications of China’s cognitive warfare innovations demand urgent scholarly attention. Addressing this gap, the present study analyzes China’s integration of emerging technologies—particularly AI, biotechnology, and nanotechnology —into its cognitive warfare strategy. The research further contrasts China’s trajectory with the U.S. model of AI-driven multi-domain operations, providing insights into the potential impacts of China’s technological advancements on South Korea’s national security and regional stability in Northeast Asia.