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China’s Cognitive Warfare: The Battle for Your Mind
Every day, millions of people scroll through social media, engage with news articles, and form opinions on global events. But what if the very way we think is under attack? In the age of cognitive warfare, the battlefield is no longer defined by physical conflict alone. It is the war for perception, decision-making, and, ultimately, control over societies without firing a single shot.
Cognitive warfare is not a distant possibility — it is already happening. China, in particular, has embraced this new form of conflict, using advanced neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and algorithm-driven propaganda to reshape narratives, destabilize democratic institutions, and weaken the cohesion of entire populations. Europe, along with NATO, must urgently recognize and counter this threat before the battle for the mind is lost.
Defining Cognitive Warfare: More Than Just Propaganda
Unlike traditional information warfare, which focuses on manipulating what people think through disinformation and propaganda, cognitive warfare targets how people think. It aims to reshape fundamental cognitive processes, erode critical thinking, and create emotional instability within target populations.
