Analysis by János T. Barabás
According to the US Department of Defense the traditional way of resolving conflicts, especially by military means becomes less and less viable due to social, economic, and information related developments. Non-state actors now have access to inexpensive way of information technology (IT), and can influence perception-based operations. In Western terms information warfare (IW) is primarily a theory focusing on the use and management of information and communication technology in search of competitive advantage over the opponent. Information warfare may involve collection of information, assurances that one’s own information is true, “spreading of propaganda or disinformation to demoralize or manipulate the enemy and the public, undermining the quality of opposing force information.” We can mention also that blocking of information-collection possibilities to adversary forces is also an aim. Information warfare is close to psychological warfare.