The Cognitive Crucible

The Cognitive Crucible explores all aspects of our generational challenge: Cognitive Security. It is the only podcast dedicated to increasing interdisciplinary collaboration between information operations practitioners, scholars, and policy makers. Join the discussion forum each week with the Cognitive Crucible host, John Bicknell. Have a question or would like to suggest a topic go to: https://information-professionals.org/podcasts/cognitive-crucible.

#220 Tom Kent on US International Broadcasting and Soft Power 04/01/2025

#220 Tom Kent on US International Broadcasting and Soft Power The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Tom Kent returns to the Cognitive Crucible to share his concerns related to the United States recent withdrawal from international broadcasting. Topics include: US soft power, abandoning pro-democracy initiatives, impact on international relations, international broadcasting structure inefficiencies, and language services cost and logistics Recording Date: 25 Mar 2025 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Guest Bio: Thomas Kent teaches and consults on Russian affairs, journalism, and the problems of propaganda and disinformation. President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty until 2018, he now teaches at Columbia University and consults for governments, NGOs, and news organizations. He is a senior fellow for strategic communication of the American Foreign Policy Council and an associate fellow of Slovakia’s GLOBSEC. Previously, he was Moscow bureau chief for The Associated Press, head of AP’s international news coverage, and editor for standards and ethics. His first book, Striking Back: Overt and Covert Options to Combat Russian Disinformation, was published in 2020, and his second, “How Russia Loses,” in 2023. He is now working on a new book, on the propaganda lessons of the Ukraine war. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35880035

#219 Dr. Josh Segal on Are We Losing the War? Lethality, Deterrence, and Information 03/25/2025

#219 Dr. Josh Segal on Are We Losing the War? Lethality, Deterrence, and Information The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dr. Josh “Bugsy” Segal asks the provocative question: Are We Losing the War? Josh discusses the importance of understanding the impact of the nation's investments in soft power assets and programs, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach and a broader national security context. He expresses concerns about the challenges in reaching the desired audience for information operations and the need for the US to adapt and innovate in the face of increasing influence from China and Russia. Lastly, the discussion touches on the current administration's agenda of cutting costs, the threat posed by adversaries, and the importance of nurturing relationships–particularly in the context of disinformation and subversive narratives. Recording Date: 19 Feb 2025 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Guest Bio: Dr. Joshua “Bugsy” Segal is the Co-Founder & Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Deft9 Solutions. A veteran of over 30 years in national security policy, strategy and operations, and intelligence, both military and civilian, Dr. Segal is an internationally recognized expert in arms control, countering foreign malign influence, and counter-WMD. Dr. Segal spent over a decade as a member of U.S. multilateral arms control delegations in Geneva, Vienna, and The Hague, including the negotiations to finalize the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention and establish the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. After leaving the federal government and then retiring from the military, Dr. Segal serves as an advisor to senior DoD leaders on operations in the information environment and teaches OSINT tradecraft. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35602400

#218 Chris Greenway on BBC Monitoring 03/18/2025

#218 Chris Greenway on BBC Monitoring The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Chris Greenway discusses the origins and evolution of BBC Monitoring, a service that gathers news from various sources. BBC Monitoring began in the 1930s as a response to the BBC's external broadcasts, with the initial focus on Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. The British government showed interest in monitoring, leading to a partnership with the BBC. By the height of World War II, the service had expanded to a thousand people and developed a relationship with American partners. Chris also discusses the significant role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) as well as products and services offered by BBC Monitoring. Recording Date: 17 Feb 2025 Research Question: Chris Greenway suggests an interested student or researcher take part in a narrative assessment: have a look at Sputnik, or RT. What narrative are they trying to project to you? And can you “reverse engineer” those narratives to reveal the objective of the Russian government? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Sefton Delmer Guest Bio: Chris Greenway has worked for BBC Monitoring (BBCM) since 1981, helping the organisation’s users to understand the world and threats to international stability through coverage of global media. Joining the service in the shortwave era, he first worked at its signals-receiving station, providing colleagues with feeds from radio stations and news agencies around the world. Two years later he joined the editorial teams who compiled the regional editions of Monitoring’s daily newspaper, the Summary of World Broadcasts, working on the Soviet, East European, Middle East and Africa desks. That led to a total of eight years of postings to BBCM’s outstation in Nairobi, monitoring Africa, interspersed with duties back at BBCM’s UK HQ where he held various editorial and management posts. Since 2006, he has been part of a team coordinating the organisation’s daily global operations and output. Chris combines his work with a personal interest in the history of, and current developments in, broadcasting, media monitoring and international information warfare. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35596335

#217 Janne Riihelainen on the EU Influence Operations Course 03/11/2025

#217 Janne Riihelainen on the EU Influence Operations Course The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Janne Riihelainen discusses the Information Operations Course funded by the European Union, which aims to enhance security by educating individuals on their role in providing security. Janne also expressed concern regarding the current cultural and political climate and risks related to uncertainty. Recording Date: 17 Feb 2025 Research Question: Janne Riihelainen suggests an interested student or researcher study ways to identify good communication signals from the noisy information environment–especially as it relates to dialogue between the United States and the European Union. Resources: Guest Bio: Janne Riihelainen is a non-fiction writer, communications expert and security policy columnist who has become known for his down-to-earth and accessible approach to writing about security policy. He is also one of the leading experts on information influence, training various actors to understand the current state of the information environment for their own operations. His book about security policy came out in 2017. Janne’s stories have been published in numerous civil and military papers. I am interviewed regularly in Finnish media and have also been interviewed by Politico, CNN, NPR and Foreign Policy. Jannes is an active and prominent debater on foreign and security policy in social media. I have a rare combination of competence and prestige with freedom of saying out loud things. I am not tied to any political party or other organization. He is a partner in an ad agency and involved in commercial communication. He lives in Joensuu, small town in eastern Finland. The border of Russia is about 50 miles away. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35584890

#216 John Cappello on the Balkan Security Network 03/04/2025

#216 John Cappello on the Balkan Security Network The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, John Cappello emphasized the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences in the Western United States to combat disinformation and influence social dynamics. He suggested several research areas, including the use of disinformation in the Western Balkans, the impact of disinformation on trust in institutions, and effective strategies for countering disinformation. John also encouraged interested students or researchers to reach out to him for potential collaboration. He recommended the book "Parting the Curtain" by Walter Hickson for a better understanding of the challenges faced in the region. Recording Date: 11 Feb 2025 Research Question: John Cappello suggests an interested student or researcher examine the disinformation tactics actors use within the Balkan region and which strategies have been successful to counter these efforts. Resources: by Walter L. Hixson by Robert D. Kaplan Guest Bio: John Cappello, a 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force, is a founding partner and Chief Operations Officer of the Balkan Security Network (BSN). Specializing in defense and security issues, with a focus on hybrid warfare and information operations in the Western Balkans, his experience includes serving as Defense Attaché in Belgrade, Serbia, and U.S. Air Force Attaché in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Balkan Security Network specializes in defense and security information projects and disinformation analysis in the Western Balkans, providing fact-based news and analysis on these issues. BSN’s content is published across the region. John is also the president of the Halyard Mission Foundation. Founded in 2015 the goal of the Foundation is to educate, commemorate, and increase awareness of the Halyard Mission, the rescue of over 500 US airmen during WWII, and the role the Serbs played in the success of the mission. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35504050

#215 Brian Hamel on the Special Operations Forces, Cyberspace, and Space Triad 02/25/2025

#215 Brian Hamel on the Special Operations Forces, Cyberspace, and Space Triad The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Brian Hamel discusses his 2023 Army Command and General Staff Theses entitled: . Brian delves into the complex and evolving landscape of modern warfare, focusing on the intersection of Special Operations Forces (SOF), cyberspace, and space. The "Triad" emphasizes the synergistic relationship between these domains to achieve strategic objectives. Those interested in military strategy, national security, and the future of warfare will enjoy this one. Recording Date: 16 Dec 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Command and General Staff Thesis: by Brian Hamel Army University Press Article: by Brian Hamel by Maj. Brian E. Hamel Bowen, Bleddyn E. . Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2020. Carlson, Joshua P. . Independently Published, 2020. Drew, Jerry: Gallegos, Frank. “, edited by Bruce M. DeBlois, 63–102. Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press, 1999. Klein, John J. War in Space: Strategy, Spacepower, Geopolitics. New York: Routledge, 2006. Klein, John J. . London: Routledge, 2019. by Namrata Goswami and Peter A. Garretson Guest Bio: Maj. Brian E. Hamel is a space operations officer assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies, the Information Advantage Scholars Program, and the Red Team Leader course. Brian has multiple rotations to the Middle East and South America with special operations units. He has a Master of Art from Northeastern University, and recently wrote a thesis detailing special operations’ contributions to space warfare as part of the Information Advantage Scholars Program at the Command and General Staff College, Kansas. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/34520680

#214 Jon Roginski and Stephanie Jaros on Insider Threat and Workforce Protection 02/11/2025

#214 Jon Roginski and Stephanie Jaros on Insider Threat and Workforce Protection The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Jon Roginski and Stephanie Jaros discuss the strategic landscape for insider threat and workforce protection programs, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that considers both technical and human factors. They also explored the importance of balancing the use of analytics with human involvement in decision-making processes, and the need for organizations to be proactive in minimizing risks. Lastly, they discussed "Project Beyonce" and the importance of cultural development within organizations for workforce protection, and recommended groups for private sector involvement in security. Recording Date: 15 Jan 2025 Research Question: Stephanie Jaros suggests an interested student or researcher examine: How do organizations not leak highly sensitive information? (For example: “Project Beyonce”) Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned (“Project Beyonce”) by Stephanie L. Jaros, Katlin J. Rhyner, & Erik R. Gregory by James Kerr by Michael Lewis Guest Bio: Dr. Jon Roginski is the Program Manager for the West Point Insider Threat Program, which serves as the "research arm" for the Pentagon-administered Army Insider Threat Program. Stephanie Jaros is an insider risk expert with 15 years of experience in program design, implementation, assessment, and research across government and industry. Currently, she is a Visiting Research Scientist and the Lead Scientist for Personnel Security Research at the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS). About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35207275

#213 Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi on Countering Authoritarian Influence 01/28/2025

#213 Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi on Countering Authoritarian Influence The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi Sviatoslav discusses propaganda and disinformation in society and the challenges of discerning truth in the age of social media. ’ specific expertise lies in working with hard-to-reach regions, including occupied territories, closed platforms, and authoritarian or restricted societies. Recording Date: 14 Jan 2025 Research Question: Sviat Hnizdovskyi suggests an interested student or researcher examine: What are the key motivational drivers behind the mobilization of Russian soldiers? How can we establish a link between changes in social media sentiment and real-world behavior? What are some effective approaches to measuring impact and outcomes of counter-influence campaigns? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned website Openminds: by Peter Pomerantsev by John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro by John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro, Filip Miscevic Guest Bio: Sviatoslav Hnizdovskyi is a CEO and Founder of OpenMinds - a cognitive defence tech company countering authoritarian influence in the battle for free and open societies. Renowned for its ability to access hard-to-reach areas through technology and leveraging deep local expertise, OpenMinds collaborates with Ukrainian and NATO-member governments, leading communication agencies, and think tanks. In the past two years, OpenMinds has executed 380+ counter-disinformation campaigns and conducted over 55 research projects on societal resilience and effects of propaganda, with a particular focus on the Russo-Ukrainian war. The company’s work has been featured in leading global media outlets, such as The Economist, CNN, The Times, The Guardian, and The New York Times. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/35020745

#212 Libby Lange on Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare 12/17/2024

#212 Libby Lange on Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Libby Lange discusses her recent article: . Recording Date: 9 Dec 2024 Research Question: Libby Lange suggests an interested student or researcher: Take the concept of Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare from the hypothetical and theoretical into the real world and find evidence of Chinese researchers who are actually retrieving data from data brokers. Investigate how Russia is pursuing adjacent or complementary Algorithmic Cognitive Warfare capabilities. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Libby Lange by Libby Lange by Thomas Rid Guest Bio: Libby Lange is a Director of Intelligence at the Special Competitive Studies Project. Prior to SCSP, Libby worked as an Intel Analyst at Graphika, where she focused on Chinese state-linked influence operations and public health misinformation. Prior to Graphika, she served as a speechwriter and communications manager for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanying the President on multiple state visits. Libby holds an M.A. in Global Affairs from Yale University and a B.A. in Political Science from National Taiwan University. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/34452475

#211 Michelle Ciulla Lipkin on Media Literacy Education 12/10/2024

#211 Michelle Ciulla Lipkin on Media Literacy Education The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Executive Director of the , discusses the importance of media literacy in today's world, emphasizing its role in developing critical thinking, effective communication, and active citizenship. Michelle highlights the challenges of navigating the vast and complex information landscape, the need for community involvement in addressing media literacy issues, and the importance of supporting foundational work in this space. Learn about the complexities of the current media ecosystem, the shift from a consumer-centric to a participatory culture, and the challenges this presents for understanding and processing information. Recording Date: 5 Dec 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Join NAMLE Assessment: Guest Bio: Michelle Ciulla Lipkin has served as Executive Director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education since 2012. Michelle has helped NAMLE grow to be the preeminent media literacy education association in the U.S. She launched Media Literacy Week in the U.S. now in its 10th year, developed strategic partnerships with companies such as Thomson Reuters, Meta, YouTube, and Nickelodeon, and restructured both the governance and membership of NAMLE. She has overseen seven national conferences, created the National Media Literacy Alliance for teacher membership organizations, and done countless appearances at conferences and in the media regarding the importance of media literacy education. Michelle was the recipient of the 2020 Global Media and Information Literacy Award given by UNESCO. Michelle is an alumni of the U.S. Dept. of State’s International Visitors Program (Australia/2018). She regularly serves as Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College where she teaches Media Literacy. She sits on the Advisory Council for the ML3: Librarians as Leaders for Media Literacy initiative led by Project Look Sharp. Michelle began her career in children’s television production, in various roles on both corporate and production teams. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from New York University. Michelle focused her grad work on children and television where she caught the “media literacy bug”. After graduate school, Michelle worked as a facilitator for The LAMP (Learning about Multimedia Project) teaching media literacy and production classes for Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade students. Her passion for media literacy education stems from a very personal place. Learn more about Michelle’s story . When not thinking about media literacy, Michelle is either sitting at home in Brooklyn with her dog and husband, most likely reading, or at one of her kids’ music gigs somewhere around the country. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/34339770

#210 Paul Groestad on Cognitive Warfare 12/03/2024

#210 Paul Groestad on Cognitive Warfare The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, CDR Paul Grostad discusses the emerging threat of cognitive warfare, emphasizing the importance of information in modern societies and the potential for it to be weaponized. Until recently, Paul led Cognitive Warfare concept development for the NATO strategic warfare development command, HQ SACT, in Norfolk Virginia. NATO defines cognitive warfare as: the deliberate, synchronized military and non-military activities throughout the continuum of competition designed to shape the information environments and affect audience, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors to gain, maintain, and protect cognitive superiority. Recording Date: 29 Nov 2024 Research Question: Paul Groestad suggests an interested student or researcher examine: How can we ethically gain situational awareness and monitor the Information Environment without negatively impacting values like freedom of speech and freedom of the press? How can we effectively deter against non-attributable hostile acts in the Grey Zone, or below the threshold of armed conflict? AI powered influence is on the rise, what are different ways to utilize AI to defend, counter or respond? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Christoph Deppe and Gary S Schaal. (FYI: This report is an analysis of an earlier draft version of The Cognitive Warfare EXPLORATORY Concept, which was shared with nations for comments in April 2023. Significant review, analysis and experimentation has gone into the document since then.) “Data is the new oil” On Geopolitics: by David Sanger (2024) On the changing character of warfare: by David Kilcullen (2020) by Sean McFate by Mark Galeotti (2022) On Russian Strategic Culture and Information Warfare: by Oscar Jonsson (2019) by Daniel Bagge (2019) by Orlando Figes (2022) On Technology: by Alvin Graylin and Louis Rosenberg (2024) by Nita Farahany (2023) by Neal Stephenson (1992) by Daniel Suarez (2009) Guest Bio: CDR Paul Groestad is a Norwegian naval officer with 30+ years experience in Signals, C4ISR, Cyber Operations and Information Warfare at all levels of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the NATO Command Structure. His current position is with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense at the Department for Security Policy and Operations where he is desk officer for Hybrid threats and Malign Influence. In his previous position at NATOs Warfare Development Command, HQ SACT in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, he was the Deputy Branch Head for Concept Development and led the project for NATOs Cognitive Warfare Concept. He is a graduate of the Norwegian Naval Academy and Joint Command and Staff College, holds a Masters degree in Military Art and Science from the Norwegian Defence University College and a Bachelor's degree in Information Science from the University of Bergen. His 2017 Master’s thesis was on the topic of Russian Influence Operations. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/34212985

#209 John Kinder on World War Zoos and Propaganda 11/26/2024

#209 John Kinder on World War Zoos and Propaganda The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, John Kinder discusses his new book: . This discussion focused on the historical use of animals in international diplomacy and wartime propaganda. Pandas, initially unknown outside China, became popular after being brought to the US in the 1930s. They were used as symbols of friendship and diplomatic gestures between countries. During World War II, zoos and animals played a significant role in propaganda efforts. The evacuation of a panda from the London Zoo boosted morale, while in the United States staged photographs of animals performing patriotic tasks were used to inspire support for the war. In contrast, the Tokyo Zoo euthanized animals to demonstrate sacrifice, and the Soviet Union's efforts to keep animals alive during the siege of Leningrad symbolized resistance. John highlights how different countries utilized animals in zoos during wartime, reflecting their varying approaches to propaganda and morale-boosting. Recording Date: 19 Nov 2024 Research Question: John Kinder suggests an interested student or researcher examine What roles can zoos play in 21st century conservation efforts? What are zoos’ limitations? How do we limit the suffering of zoo animals caught up in contemporary military conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza? To what extent do contemporary governments continue to use institutions like zoos to leverage their power and influence on the global stage? For the longest time, Americans have tended to view World War II as the “Good War”? Is that changing? Should we criticize World War II’s reputation, in historian Michael C. C. Adams’ words, as the “best war ever”? Increasingly, scholars argue that we need to seek out “multispecies” solutions (involving humans, animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, etc.) to solve 21st century problems such as climate change. Do you think that’s the case? How might multispecies perspectives help us see the world—and its problems—in new ways? War is not the only danger facing zoo animals. In recent years, zoo animals have died in floods, wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, famines, and periods of social, economic, and political unrest. How does society manufacture “vulnerability,” and what are some of the ways we can ensure that the most vulnerable—human and animal—don’t bear the brunt of disasters? Resources: Oklahoma State University by John M. Kinder by John M. Kinder near London zoo/aquarium in Vienna Austria Guest Bio: John M. Kinder is director of American Studies and professor of history at Oklahoma State University. He is the author of Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran, published by the University of Chicago Press, and coeditor of Service Denied: Marginalized Veterans in Modern American History. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/34132456

#208 Rand Waltzman on Disinformation 101 11/20/2024

#207 Kay Nissen on Second Mover Advantage 11/12/2024

#207 Kay Nissen on Second Mover Advantage The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Kay Nissen discusses her Army’s Command and General Staff College thesis entitled: Second Mover Advantage In The Military Information Environment. This thesis examines second-mover advantage theory within the military information environment. It aims to offer military planners alternative strategies beyond the traditional emphasis on seizing the initiative, proposing a secondary response framework. The research explores how to create a second-mover advantage, focusing on response timing and type through a mixed-methods approach. The conversation also touched on the challenges of implementing theories in practice, the importance of cooperative partners, consistency, and information tempo, and the potential research areas in this field. Recording Date: 8 Nov 2024 Research Questions: Kay Nissen suggests interested students examine: What makes a cooperative partner in order to create a second mover advantage? How does information tempo compare to influence timing? How do second mover advantages appear in different information functions? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Kay Nissen’s thesis: Second Mover Advantage In The Military Information Environment will be available Rebels to Reels: A biography of Combat Cameraman Daniel A. McGovern USAF by Joseph McCabe Nobody Is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done Hardcover by Scott Mann Guest Bio: Maj. Kay M. Nissen is the commander, 2d Audiovisual Squadron, at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. As the commander, she oversees the squadron’s mission to create effective audiovisual productions on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Total Force Airmen and Government Service civilians to operate an Air Force level production center and employ the Air Force’s only live broadcast truck. Maj. Nissen received her commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May of 2011. She has served as a public affairs officer for both fighter and airlift wings, as well as in support of NATO and Major Command staffs. She has also deployed as a media engagements officer for the NATO Resolute Support mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, and as a Chief of Public Affairs for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to this position, Maj. Nissen was a student and Information Advantage Scholar at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33871762

#206 Chris Stirewalt on Broken News, KayFabe, and Operatives 11/05/2024

#205 Nick Loui on Transforming Chaotic Data into Actionable Intelligence 10/29/2024

#205 Nick Loui on Transforming Chaotic Data into Actionable Intelligence The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Nick Loui of discusses the evolution of the internet, challenges posed by fragmented platforms, and the importance of addressing misinformation. Nick explores the dynamics of social media, particularly TikTok, and the need for companies to proactively manage their online reputation. Our conversation also covered data processing challenges, sentiment analysis, and the . Recording Date: 10 Oct 2024 Research Question: Nick Loui suggests an interested student or researcher examine correlating earned media impact to outcome, which is challenged due to data privacy issues. Resources: PeakMetrics narrative intelligence by Joseph Campbell Guest Bio: Nick Loui is the Co-Founder and CEO of PeakMetrics, a leading company specializing in AI-driven narrative threat intelligence. They assist organizations in various sectors by identifying and forecasting the evolution of adversarial messages online. As concerns about social media manipulation continue to rise alongside the proliferation of generative AI, PeakMetrics’ innovative approach has gained recognition and received awards such as the NSIN COVID-19 Disinformation Challenge and the BAE Fast Labs Partner of the Year. Their technology supports a diversity of complex issues, including crisis management, financial manipulation, and countering state-sponsored propaganda. Prior to founding PeakMetrics, Nick served as the Chief Marketing Officer of an ad-tech startup. During his time, the startup expanded from its initial hire to a team of over 80 members and secured over $70M in funding. He began his career as an engineer and digital marketer, helping Ashton Kutcher become the first person to amass a million followers on Twitter. Nick has been featured by Forbes and garnered viral attention on HackerNews and TechCrunch for his creation of "Parrot.vc," a generative AI tool that humorously targeted the VC community. Nick has held leadership positions at NEXUS, a global community dedicated to bridging the gap between individuals of wealth and social entrepreneurship, and Out in Tech, a global non-profit that supports 50k LGBTQIA+ tech workers in 32 cities. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33524762

#204 Sharon Russell on Information in Emergency Management 10/22/2024

#204 Sharon Russell on Information in Emergency Management The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Sharon Russell lends her 20+ years of emergency response experience to the forum. Our discussion includes Sharon’s experience as the Deputy Incident Commander for the response to the Key Bridge incident, which happened in March 2024. Recording Date: 4 Sept 2024 Research Question: Sharon Russell suggests an interested student examine ways of developing responses to public information questions faster; go back 20-30 years of lessons learned data to identify communications strategies that worked and did not work. Resources: FEMA Guest Bio: Ms. Sharon Russell is the Engagement Branch Chief and Deputy Division Chief of the Allies and Partners Force Development (APFD) Division, which is part of the Joint Staff Directorate for Force Development in Suffolk, Virginia. This division uses coordinated engagements to develop collaborative force development capabilities between the Joint Force and its Allies and Partners. Ms. Russell also has 22 years of service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. She is a commissioned officer currently assigned as the Reserve Chief of Staff for the Coast Guard’s 13th District. Her military experience includes assignments focused on Marine Safety and Port Security, as well as emergency responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005), Irma (2017), and Florence and Matthew (2018). Other response operations include Deepwater Horizon (2010), the capsized vessel GOLDEN RAY (2019) and the Key Bridge Response (2024). She served as the lead planner for Maritime Security for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida in 2012 coordinating 27 interagency organizations and provided security for 50,000 delegates, protectees and media. In 2021, she served as the Coast Guard’s Incident Commander for COVID-19 vaccine operations, successfully leading the effort to vaccinate over 95% of the Coast Guard. Prior to her current assignment, CAPT Russell was assigned to the APFD Division as a Reservist, where she was hand-selected by the Division Chief to lead the highest priority effort, conducting a thorough analysis of the Joint Warfighting Concept and providing recommendations for release to Allies and partners. Prior to joining the Coast Guard, Ms. Russell served at the US Department of State as the Office of Foreign Missions designated senior international environmental policy expert and advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary. Her work focused on customs and shipping regulations for the import/export of hazardous materials and relevant diplomatic immunities for the Conditions of Construction Agreement (COCA) negotiations between the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department. With her experience in crisis management and long-range strategic planning from both a military and civilian perspective, Ms. Russell provides key leadership to inform current and future strategic issues affecting Allies and partners. Ms. Russell is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Emory University with a concentration in Spanish and Russian language. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from American University and a Master of Arts degree in Emergency Management from Tulane University. She now resides in Suffolk, Virginia with her husband Marty. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33475647

#203 Scott Hall on Synchronizing Effects in the Information Environment 10/16/2024

#203 Scott Hall on Synchronizing Effects in the Information Environment The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, MAJ Scott Hall discusses his paper: Enhancing Mounted Maneuver Operations by Setting Conditions of Advantage through Information Environment Effects Synchronization, which is getting published in in the Fall 2024 edition. Recording Date: 26 Sept 2024 Research Question: Scott Hall suggests interested students examine: What are the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating Information Operations across all domains and services, and how can joint forces Information forces coordination and application be improved? How can the DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) framework be leveraged to achieve a more comprehensive and integrated approach to Information Operations? What role can artificial intelligence and machine learning play in processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns and trends in Information Advantage Dimensions? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Scott Hall by Barton Whaley by Thaddeus Holt by P. W. Singer and August Cole by COL Qiao Liang and COL Wang Xiangsui Guest Bio: MAJ Scott C. Hall is the U.S. Army Cyber (ARCYBER) G-39 Influence Branch and ARCYBER Trans-Regional Information Advantage Detachment (TIAD) Lead Information Advantage Planner, Fort Eisenhower, GA. His previous assignments include: U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF) G-5 Plans Eastern Campaign Branch, Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, Squadron Executive Officer, 1st Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment, 316th Cavalry Brigade, Fort Benning, GA. National Training Center (NTC) Live Fire Combined Arms Battalion Lead "Dragon 11," Operations Group, NTC Combined Arms Battalion Company OC/T “Scorpion 11”, Operations Group NTC, Fort Irwin, CA., Troop Commander, Havoc Troop (HHT), 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd IBCT (Airborne), Grafenwöhr, Germany, Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General – Maneuver, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX and Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan, Platoon Leader, 3rd Platoon, C Company (Tank), 2nd Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX and Baghdad, Iraq. MAJ Hall’s military education includes; US Army Cyber Operations Planner Course (COPC), Joint Cyber Operations Planner Course (JCOPC), Joint Information Operations Planner Course (JIOPC), US Army Space Cadre Basic Course, US Army Special Technical Operations Planner Course, Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) Special Operations Forces (SOF) Information Advantage and Intelligence Integration Course, JSOU SOF Influence and Operations in the Information Environment, Joint Military Deception Training Course (JMTC), US Army Theater Army Staff Course, Information Operations Officer Qualification Course, Command and General Staff College, US Air Force Joint Firepower Course, NTC OC/T Certification Course, US Army Jumpmaster Course, US Army Pathfinder Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Combative Level 1, US Army Airborne School, US Army Armor Officer Basic Course, and US Army Air Assault School. MAJ Hall holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Project Management from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in Military History from Norwich University, VT. MAJ Hall’s awards includes; a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award), and NATO Medal – Afghanistan, the Combat Action Badge, Senior Rated Parachutist Badge, Army Space Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Air Assault Badge. MAJ Hall also holds the German Silver Parachutist Badge and the Romanian Parachutist Badge and holds a Bronze Order of Saint George Medallion and an Order of Saint Maurice Medallion. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33352517

#202 Genia Simkin on Bypassing DNS Blockades 10/08/2024

#202 Genia Simkin on Bypassing DNS Blockades The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Genia Simkin discusses his firm’s Samizdat technology which makes it possible to bypass DNS blockades set up by autocratic regimes. Recording Date: 5 Aug 2024 Research Question: Genia Simkin suggests as interested student examine OSINT practices. For example, would it be possible to get an accurate sense (census, poll, survey, etc.) of how various populations that live in fear of and under the repressive rule of governments like those in Russia, Iran, or China feel about their governments' various policies and other important geopolitical questions so as to better understand what kinds of propaganda that they're subjected to is effective and they're able to see past? Resources: makes it possible to bypass the DNS blockades set up by autocratic regimes. Through Samizdat Online, you will be able to access censored media from around the globe and share freely, without VPN. Samizdat = the clandestine copying and distribution of literature banned by the state, especially formerly in the communist countries of eastern Europe. Alfred North Whitehead Quote: “Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking of them.” by Leonard E. Read by Mark Graham by Elena Kostyuchenko, Bela Shayevich, Ilona Yazhbin Chavasse by Catherine Belton Guest Bio: Yevgeny (Genia) Simkin is a technologist, analyst, comedian, musician, and entrepreneur who fled with his family to the US from the former Soviet Union in 1978, during the mass Soviet Jewish exodus of the 70s. Over the last 25 years, Simkin has developed a multitude of software products for the likes of CBS News, YouTube, USA Today, and, many other global media and tech companies. Additionally he's a regular contributor to The Bulwark and has intended but failed to find the time to write multiple insightful and arguably books on the ways in which humanity has failed to realize its potential. Last year, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Yevgeny co-founded Samizdat Online, an anti-censorship media platform that uses unique IP to make it possible to bypass Internet blocking commonly practiced by autocratic regimes such as Putin’s. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33347837

#201 John Bicknell on Cognitive Indicators and Global Competition 10/01/2024

#201 John Bicknell on Cognitive Indicators and Global Competition The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, "reverse-interviews" John Bicknell, the CEO|Founder of and traditional Cognitive Crucible podcast host. John discusses More Cowbell Unlimited's cognitive indicators and related technology that the US Army is prototyping in order to create effects, maintain Information Advantage, and compete globally. Recording Date: 26 Sept 2024 Research Question: John Bicknell suggests an interested student or researcher examine: How can information professionals use complex system communication channel noise levels to improve goal pursuit? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned YouTube: by George A. Miller by Randall L. Schweller ? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek Guest Bio: John Bicknell founded More Cowbell Unlimited to help America remain a beacon of hope and strength on the world stage. America must adopt Process Dominance as a core capability in order to innovate and survive in the Information Age. His vision is for process technologies to be as ubiquitous as processes are. John is a national security thought leader and passionate analytics visionary. He has written extensively on national security matters related to information warfare, critical infrastructure defense, and space situational awareness. John leads software and business development efforts for More Cowbell Unlimited. John is a retired Marine Corps officer who served worldwide. He led enterprise-level process-intensive human resources supply chain projects designed to discover inefficiencies, architect solutions, and re-purpose manpower savings. In his corporate career, he operationalized an Analytics Center of Excellence for a large EdTech firm, among other accomplishments. John is also Vice President for the Information Professionals Association and host of The Cognitive Crucible podcast. His Master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School emphasizes econometrics and operations research. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33228977

#200 Remi Whiteside on Media, Information, and Data Literacy Fundamentals against Malign Information in the Open Information Environment 09/24/2024

#200 Remi Whiteside on Media, Information, and Data Literacy Fundamentals against Malign Information in the Open Information Environment The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Remi Whiteside discusses his Ph.D. research and dissertation which is entitled: Peering into US Army Media, Information, and Data Literacy Fundamentals against Malign Information in the Open Information Environment: A Qualitative Case Study. According to Remi Whiteside, the US Army currently has no institutionalized program-of-record for educational development, uniquely designed for its population of uniformed Information Professionals in training to detect, analyze, and scrutinize malign information in the Open Information Environment. Unlike its peer services, the US Army does not perceive malign information, a reimagined tool of ideological subversion, as a high-caliber threat so far as to invest the time, money, or resources into critical, foundational metaliteracy competencies needed for its Information Professionals for the Open Information Environment. Recording Date: 1 Aug 2024 Research Question: Remi Whiteside suggests an interested student ask–in relation to media and information—how do narratives derived from the Open Information Environment shape servicemembers’ metanarratives and do these metanarratives conflict with military identity? Resources: Peering into US Army Media, Information, and Data Literacy Fundamentals against Malign Information in the Open Information Environment: A Qualitative Case Study by Noam Chomsky by Jim Ridolfo and William Hart-Davidson Guest Bio: Remington Whiteside is an active-duty Chief Warrant Officer in the US Army, career education, and academic researcher into MIDLE (media, information, and data literacy education) and M2DP (malinformation, misinformation, disinformation, propaganda). He started his career as an enlisted Cryptologic Linguist, with work in strategic, SOF, and training environments. He metamorphosed to Signals Intelligence Warrant Officer, specializing in tactical SIGINT, COMINT, OSINT, PAI, OPSEC, and Intelligence Support to Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) training as an Observer-Coach-Trainer at Fort Johnson, Louisiana at the Joint Readiness Training Center. Remi holds an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern studies, a graduate degree in Applied Linguistics with a focus on Computational Linguistics, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education. He is lovingly supported by his wife Sara and his three children: Evolette, Torben, and Soren. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/33162057

#199 Ellen McCarthy on Trust in Media and Information 09/10/2024

#199 Ellen McCarthy on Trust in Media and Information The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Ellen McCarthy discusses how to conceptualize and develop standards and measurements on information quality, how to align AI with accurate and reliable information, and how challenges and potential of leveraging AI can support information quality. Also, be sure to check out and register for the upcoming 28 October symposium co-sponsored by TIM and IPA: . Recording Date: 5 Sept 2024 Research Question: Ellen McCarthy suggests an interested student examine macroeconomic indicators or drivers of information consumption. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Gallup: Gallup: DOJ: Alfred North Whitehead quote: “Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking of them.” Guest Bio: The Honorable Ellen McCarthy is a national security professional with extensive experience in government and the private sector. She has held several high-level positions in the U.S. intelligence community and has worked on a wide range of national security issues. Ellen served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research from 2018 to 2020. In this role, she oversaw the State Department's intelligence analysis and provided support to senior policymakers on foreign policy matters. Before that, she was the President of Noblis NSP, a national security-focused science and technology company. She also served as the President of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), a non-profit organization focused on addressing intelligence and national security priorities. Prior to her time in the private sector, McCarthy held various leadership positions in the intelligence community, including serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Director of Intelligence Operations at the U.S. Coast Guard. She was also lead for Human Capital and Security for the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and started her career as an all source intelligence analyst within the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Atlantic Intelligence Command. She is a wife, mother, daughter and friend. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/32963877

#198 Melissa Graves Frank Emerson and Pat Hendrix on OSINT 08/27/2024

#198 Melissa Graves Frank Emerson and Pat Hendrix on OSINT The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Melissa Graves, Frank Emerson, and Pat Hendrix discuss the history of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), how publicly available information (PAI) is being analyzed by students in the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel, and The Citadel’s which will be held October 23-25, 2024. Recording Date: 26 Aug 2024 Research Questions: Where does academia fit within the OSINT landscape? What should students be allowed to collect? How can students be best kept safe during OSINT analysis? Resources: October 23-25, 2024 Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned bio bio bio by Eliot Higgins (HBO) Guest Bio: Melissa Graves is an Associate Professor in the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel and currently serves as the head of the department. Her research areas include national security legal issues, the US presidency’s relationship to the intelligence community, and intelligence analysis. She teaches a variety of courses on intelligence and legal issues. Her book, Nixon’s FBI: Hoover, Watergate, and a Bureau in Crisis, evaluates the historically complex and oftentimes fraught relationships between the President, Attorney General, and FBI Director. Frank Emerson is a senior policy consultant and accomplished leader with almost three decades of experience in U.S. national security, intelligence, and foreign policy matters. He served overseas with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Department of State, driving worldwide operations, conducting diplomacy, and building diverse multi-agency international programs. Dr. Michael Pat Hendrix is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Intelligence Analysis and Security Studies at The Citadel Military College. His research areas include intelligence analysis and communication and African national security issues. He teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including analysis and research, open source intelligence, homeland security, and the department capstone. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/32754082

#197 Maksym Tereshchenko on How the Russia-Ukraine War Sparked a New Era in Risk Management and Cognitive Security 08/13/2024

#197 Maksym Tereshchenko on How the Russia-Ukraine War Sparked a New Era in Risk Management and Cognitive Security The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Maksym Tereshchenko of discusses his firm’s AI platform and how it is being used within the informational dimension of the Russia-Ukraine War. Recording Date: 19 July 2024 Research Question: Maksym Tereshchenko suggests as interested student examine: How can we accurately measure the impact of an influence campaign on people's behavior? NATO and US doctrine categorize domains as air, sea, land, space, and cyber. What about the informational domain? A critical challenge lies in measuring and depicting visually the interactions among events across these domains and their mutual influence. Resources: : a new era of messaging “” by Eliot Higgins "" by Justin Crump Guest Bio: With nearly two dozen years in IT, Maksym Tereshchenko has worked his way up to the top, building data and AI products. He has worked in a variety of settings: from the grandeur of big corporations to the humble beginnings of startups. But everything changed with Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. February 2022 marked a turning point: driven by the mission to help the Ukrainian resistance, Maksym gathered a team of volunteers, setting a mission to make Ukrainian institutions informationally resilient, able to leverage AI to manage physical and informational risks, including identifying Russian influence campaigns, and containing narrative warfare. Thus, the story of Mantis Analytics began. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/32535527

#196 Dave Troy on Threats to Democracy 07/30/2024

#196 Dave Troy on Threats to Democracy The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dave Troy discusses threats to democracy. The related problems of disinformation, misinformation, and radicalization have been popularly misunderstood as technology or fact-checking problems, but this ignores the mechanism of action, which is the reconfiguration of social capital. By recasting these problems as one problem rooted in the reconfiguration of social capital and network topology, we can consider solutions that might maximize public health and favor democracy over fascism, even as the urgent need for stewarding human behavior may introduce ethical questions about what kinds of network configurations are ideal, and who might have the moral authority to oversee their pursuit. Recording Date: 25 June 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Work in Progress Article: by Dave Troy by Balaji Srinivasan by Raymond Craib Guest Bio: Dave Troy is an investigative journalist focused on exposing threats to democracy. Based in Baltimore, his background as a technologist with an interest in studying online extremism affords him a unique perspective. His work has appeared at MoMA in New York, and he is a fellow with New America Foundation’s Future Frontlines. Dave writes regularly about information warfare, history, and politics. He is the host of the podcast Dave Troy Presents, and speaks regularly at conferences on disinformation, extremism, and information warfare. Contact information is available at davetroy.com. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/32320047

#195 Michael Zequeira on the Effects of Social Media on Military Recruiting 07/16/2024

#195 Michael Zequeira on the Effects of Social Media on Military Recruiting The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, US Army Major Michael Zequeira discusses his Army Command and General Staff research entitled: the Effects of Social Media on Military Recruiting. More and more Americans receive information from social media. This work looks at the effects of social media’s rise on U.S. Army recruiting. The primary research question was “Is the increased reliance on social media for information negatively affecting the U.S. Army’s ability to recruit?” The secondary research questions were “What role do foreign mis, mal, and disinformation play in decreasing the propensity to serve in the Army of the United States population?” and “How do the negative effects of social media on mental health affect the Army’s ability to meet its’ recruiting goal?” The researcher answered these questions through a hermeneutics approach, analyzing existing research and correlating it to the past 10 years of recruiting trends. The researcher supplemented this by conducting open coding of videos on YouTube to assess the narratives portrayed based on various Army-related keywords. Based on this research, the increase in information speed of social media allows foreign adversaries to perpetuate mis, mal, and disinformation at speeds that decrease trust in the U.S. Government and Army. The well-documented negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health are decreasing the qualified youth available faster than any other discriminating factor. Recording Date: 20 Jun 2024 Research Question: Mike Zequeira suggests an interested student examine: For narrative/misinformation academic researchers, does the TikTok algorithm push content harmful to, or counter to, a positive US military outlook? For military researchers, how can Social Media feeds be integrated into the targeting cycle to enable real time/near real time targeting? Resources by Thomas Rid by Peter Singer by Stanley McCrystal Guest Bio: Major Michael (Mike) Zequeira was born and raised in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. He commissioned through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Moore in 2013 as a branch-detailed Military Intelligence Officer. MAJ Zequeira served as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Battalion Logistics Officer in 1-68AR, in the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division in Ft. Carson, Colorado. Post graduation from the Military Intelligence Captain’s career course, he served as Brigade Assistant Intelligence Officer at 2nd IBCT, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, 2-14 Infantry Battalion Intelligence Officer, and Military Intelligence Company Commander for the 41st Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Drum, New York. He also served as the Headquarters, Headquarters Company Commander, and as an Operational Test Officer at the Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Testing Directorate at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. MAJ Zequeira is currently transitioning to his next assignment in the Division Intelligence section of 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell KY. MAJ Zequeira’s military education includes the North Georgia University/MCOE Mandarin Language Course, Airborne Course, Military Intelligence Officer Captains Career Course, Digital Intelligence Systems Master Gunners Course, Army Basic Space Cadre I & II, the CENTCOM Foreign Disclosure Officer Course, and the Information Advantage Scholars Program at the Resident Command and General Staff Officer Course at Fort Leavenworth, KS. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics from Anderson University (SC), a Master of Arts in International Security Studies from the University of Arizona, and a Master in Military Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Information Advantage from the Command and General Staff College. MAJ Zequeira’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (2), NATO Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Rotational Forces Lithuanian Medal, Romanian Partner of Defense Medal 3rd Class, Order of the Gold Spur, Order of the Silver Spur, Combat Action Badge and the Parachutists Badge. He is also the winner of the CGSOC Class 24 Excellence in Information Warfare writing award. He is married to his wife Laura, who has her own career in finance and the couple shares a young son, Matthew, age 2. Mike and Laura are both avid sports fans of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and both enjoy skiing. Mike also enjoys working out and fishing in his free time. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/32133142

#194 Mike Hall on the Moral Imperative of Our Time 07/02/2024

#194 Mike Hall on the Moral Imperative of Our Time The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dr. Wayne “Mike” Hall discusses his latest capstone book: the Moral Imperative of Our Time-Purposeful Intellectual Growth. According to Mike, America’s intellect is sharply declining; he implores national security leaders to address this problem immediately by: 1) improving individual learning, 2) promoting organizational learning, and 3) encouraging intellectual mentoring. Satisfying these callings is the moral imperative. Mike also discusses other important themes such as: will, incorporating information and cognition as warfighting domains, how to think in today's fight, non-linearity and complex systems, anticipation compared to prediction, and the importance of initial conditions, and unity of effort. Research Question: Mike Hall suggests interested students examine: How does this fit into DOTMLPF? How do we get politicians to understand Clausewitz? Recording Date: 21 June 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Ed D Wayne Michael Hall by Wayne Michael Hall by Wayne Michael Hall by Wayne Michael Hall and Gary Citrenbaum by Wayne Michael Hall and Patrick M. Hughes Guest Bio: Wayne Michael “Mike” Hall, Brigadier General, US Army (Retired), is a career U.S. Army intelligence officer with over 50 years of experience in intelligence operations. In the Army, Brigadier General Hall served in four infantry divisions: 2d, 1 st , 4 th , and 82d. He commanded intelligence units at the company (337 th ASA Company), battalion (313 th MI Bn, 82d Airborne Division), and brigade (501 st MI Brigade in the Republic of Korea). BG Hall was an infantry battalion S-2 in the 1 st Infantry Division, an infantry brigade S-2 while in Korea in the 2d Infantry Division, and an infantry brigade S-2 in the 1 st Infantry Division. He was the G-2 of the 82d Airborne Division, and as a general officer, the J-2 US Forces Korea. After retiring from the Army in 1999, he worked with military and private corporations providing consulting services in intelligence-related matters for more than 12 years. He also created a two-week intensive seminar for intelligence analysts and collections specialists, centering on his book Intelligence Analysis: How to Think in Complex Environments. Brigadier General Hall led the strenuous two-week seminars from 2008-2014 and helped ~1250 intelligence analysts and collection people learn “how to think” in complex environments. Brigadier General Hall has written six books: Stray Voltage War in the Information Age (2003); Intelligence Analysis How to Think in Complex Environments(2009); Intelligence Collection How to Plan and Execute Intelligence Collection in Complex Environments (2012); The Power of Will in International Conflict (2018); Whispers From the Arrow of Time (2023); and The Moral Imperative of Our Time—Purposeful Intellectual Growth. Brigadier General Hall holds a BS from the University of Nebraska, an MS from Kansas State University, an MMAS from the US Army CGSC, and an EdD from The George Washington University. Brigadier General Hall is a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College, School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), and the National War College. Brigadier General Hall is a Senior Parachutist and a Ranger School graduate from the US Army’s Ranger School, February 1973. Brigadier General Hall lives with his wife near Denton Texas. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/31890867

#193 Hatteras Hoops on Human Domain Security 06/18/2024

#193 Hatteras Hoops on Human Domain Security The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Hatteras Hoops discusses business and national security considerations related to Human Domain Security. Current concepts around insider threat, insider risk, insider trust, insider fraud, critical people protection, personnel security and counterintelligence are broadly considered Human Domain Security. Evolved from over a millennia of documented models, practice, and theory, the terms insider threat and insider risk often have negative connotations around intention, despite the definitions being clearly inclusive of both intentional and unintentional insiders. Human Domain Security seeks to disarm and expand its value to more sensitive parts of the world, and through a more positive application. Recording Date: 6 June 2024 Research Questions: Hatteras Hoops suggests interested students examine: What empirical evidence exists across administrative, physical, and technical controls that proves changes in behavior can serve as retrospective indicators of human risk? Based on history and technical advancements, what specific emerging human-centric disruptions should we expect in the next 10 years? How will it affect trust across teams and organizations? These are important topics because I don’t think we’ve fully thought through the extent of its impact from society to person Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned Other resources: Quote from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago: “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained” by Hatteras Hoops by Hatteras Hoops by Liz Wiseman and Greg Mckeown Guest Bio: Hatteras Hoops is a Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton supporting the Commercial vertical in the European market based out of the Hague, Netherlands. He has over twenty years’ experience spanning defense, national security, and commercial cybersecurity missions. His current focus transcends strategic consulting, governance, and human-centric security solutions. He holds a Master of Engineering degree in Cybersecurity from the George Washington University. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/31673787

#192 Dr. Josh "Bugsy" Segal on the American Maginot Line 06/04/2024

#192 Dr. Josh "Bugsy" Segal on the American Maginot Line The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dr. Josh “Bugsy” Segal discusses his ongoing concerns about the “American Maginot Line.” He is concerned that the United States is insufficiently and inappropriately funding the cognitive war that is bearing down on us. Moreover, the United States domestic political system hampers progress. Our gallop across the information landscape includes political hot button topics, sea stories, open source intelligence, and also some bright spots. Recording Date: 29 May 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui by Kishore Mahbubani by Donald A. Barclay Guest Bio: Dr. Joshua “Bugsy” Segal is the Co-Founder & Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Deft9 Solutions. A veteran of over 30 years in national security policy, strategy and operations, and intelligence, both military and civilian, Dr. Segal is an internationally recognized expert in arms control, countering foreign malign influence, and counter-WMD. Dr. Segal spent over a decade as a member of U.S. multilateral arms control delegations in Geneva, Vienna, and The Hague, including the negotiations to finalize the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention and establish the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. After leaving the federal government and then retiring from the military, Dr. Segal serves as an advisor to senior DoD leaders on operations in the information environment and teaches OSINT tradecraft. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/31553612

#191 Jose Davis on Public Affairs Integration and Leveraging AI for Operations in the Information Environment 05/21/2024

#191 Jose Davis on Public Affairs Integration and Leveraging AI for Operations in the Information Environment The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, US Air Force Captain Jose Davis discusses his paper, which is entitled: "Leveraging AI for Operations in the Information Environment: 3 Demonstrations in Disinformation, Social Media, and Entropy." The paper focuses on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of Operations in the Information Environment (OIE), particularly for the Air Force. The paper presents three case studies demonstrating how AI can positively impact OIE and advocates for direct AI research in this area. Additionally, he’ll recap an information campaign that US Air Forces in Europe conducted to assure Baltic NATO Allies, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Recording Date: 24 April 2024 Research Questions: Jose Davis suggests as interested student examine: What other common metrics can be developed or researched for assessing the Information Environment, tailor-made for the national security needs and useful for IO and PA operators? What are the practical outcomes in the Information Environment (a complex system) when entropy is influenced, pushed either higher or lower? e.g. Hypothetically, when high entropy is present, humans deploy simplifying heuristics, so this should help improve Key Leader Engagements’ (KLE) timing and improve KLE dossiers. Or with PA/IO, high entropy hypothetically may demand a simplified messaging campaign. In what other ways can AI be leveraged to combat nefarious AI use for disinformation? The ideas of watermarking or safeguarding content from manipulation from nefarious Generative AI are a form of immunization, advancing Inoculation Theory as a whole. What other preventative measures along the lines of immunization can be taken to combat disinformation? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned by Seyed-Mohsen Moosavi-Dezfooli, Alhussein Fawzi, Omar Fawzi, and Pascal Frossard by Yuanhao Ban, Yinpeng Dong by Cpt Alexander Sferrella, Cpt Joseph Conger, and Maj Kara Masick by former Google technologist Kai-Fu Lee and science fiction writer Chen Qiufan. I’m a huge advocate of using story to educate. For those new to AI or wanting to understand AI’s societal impact, this is my go-to book. Written in a series of fictional short stories with in-depth essay analysis at the end of each, the book teaches AI while making it entertaining. by Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman. I think every Information Warfare professional should know who Claude Shannon is and read his “magna carta” of the Information Age, The Mathematical Theory of Communication. My intellectual hero, this exceptional biography brings the man to life — a polymath, a tinkerer, an innovator. “” by Ashish Vaswani et al. This is the seminal paper advancing the Transformer architecture which made Generative AI like ChatGPT possible. Liken this paper to Einstein’s book on Relativity or Newton’s Principia. by Klaus Krippendorff Guest Bio: Jose is a Public Affairs Officer for Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He has over 14 years of experience in integrated communications, both in the public and private sectors. He is accredited in Public Relations and Military Communications through the Public Relations Society of America. In his current role, he ensures the strategic communication of accurate and timely information about the command’s 104-country area of operations. He played a pivotal role at NATO in combating misinformation before, during and after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. He just finished a rigorous six-month fellowship at a DoD-sponsored AI Accelerator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, gaining exposure to some of the brightest and best minds in AI and Machine Learning technologies. As part of his fellowship, Jose was required to apply his newly acquired AI foundational knowledge to produce a research paper addressing a problem or issue facing the U.S. Air Force. The paper is slated for publication in the U.S. Air Force’s Air and Space Operations Review journal. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at . Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, . Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post. /episode/index/show/cognitivecrucible/id/31062198

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