Study guide
Topic:
Information influence
Lecturer:
Mgr. Miroslava Pačková, Ph.D.
Introduction to the topic:
The main goal of information influence is to gain an advantage leading to the exploitation of the adversary's weaknesses. This form of manipulation builds on intelligence gathering, analysis, dissemination of false and misleading information, planning, command, and policy decisions. Information warfare can occur anywhere on the spectrum of war and peace. Its use is associated with actors such as Russia and China. This lecture focuses on their information influence tools as well as their theoretical background.
Instructions for the seminar
Students will prepare short presentations (3-5 minutes) on their chosen topic of information warfare by a state or non-state actor. The choice is up to the students, but they can select one of the suggested topics in a shared Excel document. Students must enter their choice in the shared document before the seminar. The aim is to have different topics for individuals to avoid duplication.
The short presentation should include background information about the actor and the outreach tools they use. It should also include the objectives of the intervention and an impact assessment. Students should only use reputable media/literature.
Submitting presentation topics (Subversive Threats Summer 2024)
Required sources:
PAČKOVÁ, Miroslava. Information influence (presentation will be uploaded shortly before the lecture)
Giles, Kier., 2016. The Next Phase of Russian Information Warfare. Riga: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. Dostupné z: https://stratcomcoe.org/pdfjs/?file=/publications/download/keir_giles_public_20-05-2016.pdf?zoom=page-fit
Recommended sources:
GREGOR, Miloš, Petra VEJVODOVÁ and Miroslava PAVLÍKOVÁ et. al. Challenging Online Propaganda and Disinformation in the 21st Century. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021. 273 s. Political Campaigning and Communication. ISBN 978-3-030-58623-2. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-58624-9.
Sources for your leisure time:
Movie The Great Hack (Netflix)
Movie Brexit (HBO)