CDS emphasizes public opinion's role in modern warfare

At the Raisina Dialogue this week, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan discussed the concept of hybrid warfare. He highlighted that modern conflicts are shifting from physical battles to influencing public opinion. According to Chauhan, governments can be swayed without violence if public perceptions are changed. This reflects a new type of warfare where understanding society's information sources is crucial. Chauhan noted that warfare now combines various fields, including land, air, sea, and cyberspace. He emphasized that in today's context, cognitive geography—how people think and feel—has become just as important as physical geography used to be. All democratic governments are influenced by public opinion, and changing that opinion can lead to changes in government decisions. Former CIA Director David Petraeus also spoke at the event, praising Ukraine's advancements in military technology since the Russian invasion. He stated that Ukraine is now a leader in military tech, particularly with its development of advanced drones. These drones have played a key role in Ukraine's efforts to repel Russian forces and target vital infrastructure. In recent weeks, Ukraine has targeted a Russian refinery, which supplies half of Moscow's fuel. The country has reportedly destroyed a significant portion of Russia's naval capabilities in the Black Sea as well. Pavlina Pavlova, a cybersecurity expert, pointed out that cyber attacks by non-state actors are also part of hybrid warfare. These attacks often align with the foreign policy goals of certain nations, adding another layer to the complex landscape of modern conflicts.