Cognitive warfare: the invisible conquest of minds

2 episodes

Épisode 1/2

Cognitive warfare: the new battlefield exploiting our brains

On February 5th, 2025

5 min reading time

Bernard Claverie

Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Sciences at Bordeaux Institute of Technology

Cognitive warfare explores the potential manipulation by hostile actors using cognitive science, such as propaganda and disinformation.
It encompasses operations aimed at corrupting the adversary's thought processes and altering their decision-making capacity using a scientific approach.
It affects the cognitive capacities of individuals through the use of technologies, which can influence attention and reactions in the short term, and cognitive structure in the long term.
To deal with this, we need to physically protect people in strategic situations and promote the sensible use of digital technology, despite the challenges.
The Gecko project aims to develop systems for exploring cognitive warfare in the context of fictitious crises, in order to prepare those involved in national security operations.

Épisode 2/2

On November 5th, 2025

5 min reading time

Didier Bazalgette

Doctor of Neuroscience, former AI and Cognitive Sciences Advisor to the Defense Innovation Agency

Paul Janin

PhD student in cognitive science at CEA Paris-Saclay

The term “cognitive warfare” was first used in 2017, without being specifically defined, by Vincent Stewart.
A few years later, the concept of Cognitive Net Assessment (CNA) emerged, seeking to understand the mechanisms of stability and imbalance in contemporary cognitive environments.
Three concepts therefore structure the NAC: decision-making overload, cognitive collapse, and cognitive entropy.
Starting in 2022, the use of consumer AI will enable cognitive warfare to move beyond the artisanal stage and enter the era of “mass production.”
Finally, Langlois-Berthelot and Gaie's model is structured around collective narratives, institutional mediation, and political regulation with the aim of achieving cognitive stability.