word
Information Warfare
in-for-MAY-shun WOR-fair
/ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən ˈwɔːrfɛər/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
informationwarfare
Dictionary meaning
Strategies and operations designed to obtain an advantage over adversaries by controlling, distorting, corrupting, or weaponising information — including disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and psychological operations
History and origin
Formalised as a military doctrine in the 1990s; expanded in the digital era to include social media manipulation and influence operations
Examples
- Russia's information warfare campaign ahead of the 2016 US election involved coordinated social media operations.
- Information warfare blurs the line between war and peace, operating continuously in the grey zone.
Synonyms: influence operations, information operations, psyops
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