Disinformation and Propaganda as Tools of Influence in Cyber Space

Abstract

1 Information is a vital instrument for waging war against an adversary. In the past, information was utilised as an addition to the element of physical warfare. In the modern era, winning the informational aspect is as important as winning the physical one. The term hybrid warfare has been utilised extensively in security studies and international relations-related discourse since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. When distilled from the inherent vagueness surrounding the definition of hybrid warfare, it can be opined that hybrid warfare is a mix of conventional and unconventional means of warfare, often utilising the tools of deception, sabotage and disinformation. When distilled from the inherent vagueness surrounding the definition of hybrid warfare, it can be opined that hybrid warfare is a mix of conventional and unconventional means of warfare, often utilising the tools of deception, sabotage and disinformation. Through disinformation, hybrid warfare permeates not only military personnel but also affects ordinary civilians who are not in an active zone of conflict. The role of this thesis will be to do a comparative analysis between Russian and Chinese Information Operations and the way they co-opt each other time and again.