INFORMATION WARFARE IN THE CONTEXT OF ARMED CONFLICT: LINGUISTIC AND COGNITIVE DIMENSIONS

Abstract

The article explores information warfare as a multidimensional phenomenon of contemporary hybrid conflicts, with a particular focus on the Russian Federation’s aggressive actions against Ukraine. The study conceptualizes information warfare as a complex system of communicative, psychological, technological, and legal instruments aimed at influencing public consciousness, political decision-making, and social behavior at both national and international levels. Drawing on interdisciplinary approaches from political science, communication studies, and international law, the article analyzes the transformation of propaganda practices in the context of globalization, digitalization, and armed conflict. Special attention is paid to the evolution of propaganda technologies, including framing, narrative construction, and disinformation campaigns, as well as their historical precedents and modern manifestations. The research examines case studies related to Soviet and post-Soviet information operations, including Cold War broadcasting practices and contemporary Russian information strategies. The article also addresses the normative dimension of information warfare by analyzing relevant international legal instruments, such as United Nations General Assembly resolutions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Tallinn Manual 2.0, emphasizing the tension between freedom of information and state security. The findings demonstrate that information warfare has become an integral component of hybrid warfare, blurring the boundaries between peace and armed conflict and challenging existing legal frameworks. The article argues for the necessity of developing comprehensive legal and institutional mechanisms to counter hostile information influence while safeguarding fundamental human rights. The conclusions contribute to a deeper understanding of information warfare as a strategic tool in modern conflicts and provide a theoretical basis for further research in the fields of security studies, media law, and public governance.