The New Cold War: How Emerging Tech is Reshaping Information Warfare
A new report from the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (STRATCOMCOE) warns of a rapidly evolving information landscape, signaling a “new kind of Cold War” defined by high-technology competition. The ‘NextGen Information Environment’ project, launched in early 2025, convened experts to assess the impact of immersive and emerging technologies on geopolitical power dynamics and democratic resilience.
The Rise of Algorithmic Warfare
The report highlights a shift in information warfare, moving beyond traditional methods to a realm dominated by mathematical calculations and machine learning. Future conflicts will increasingly rely on “agentic systems” – AI-driven entities – constantly competing to gain a message advantage. This isn’t simply about faster information dissemination; it’s about algorithmic manipulation and control.
A critical vulnerability identified is the potential for “poisoning” Western AI models. Adversaries could inject false data into open-source AI training cycles, corrupting future outputs and subtly influencing decision-making processes. This represents a significant threat to the integrity of information ecosystems.
Neuro-Warfare: The Next Frontier
Perhaps the most startling conclusion of the STRATCOMCOE report is the emergence of “neuro-warfare.” This goes beyond artificial intelligence, representing a convergence of human and machine capabilities with profound implications for democracy. The report states that predicting human consciousness and interpreting neural data are no longer theoretical possibilities – they are realities.
While the specifics of neuro-warfare remain largely undefined, the implications are unsettling. The ability to understand and potentially influence human thought processes opens up entirely new avenues for manipulation and control. This raises serious ethical and security concerns.
Immersive Technologies and Public Interaction
The report also examines how immersive and emerging technologies are redefining public interaction with information. The way people consume and process information is changing, and adversaries are adapting their tactics accordingly. Understanding these shifts is crucial for maintaining democratic resilience.
The core questions addressed by the project centered on how these technologies will reshape public interaction with information and what technological advances should be anticipated. Tracking early indicators of these innovations is vital to understanding their impact on geopolitical power and democratic processes.
Riga StratCom Dialogue 2026: A Call to Action
STRATCOMCOE is hosting the Riga StratCom Dialogue 2026 from June 3rd to 4th, aiming to bring together policymakers, strategists, and thinkers to address these challenges. The dialogue focuses on preserving human agency, meaning, and responsibility in an increasingly automated and synthetic information environment.
The event underscores the urgency of reclaiming strategy as a future-shaping act, recognizing the fragility of life and the increasing prevalence of wars unfolding across information space.
What Does This Mean for National Security?
The STRATCOMCOE report serves as a wake-up call for NATO and Allied nations. It emphasizes the necessitate for anticipatory analysis, offensive strategic communications, and enhanced detection capabilities across emerging domains of influence. Preparing for these unprecedented threats requires a proactive and coordinated approach.
Did you know? The NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence is based in Riga, Latvia, and plays a key role in leading the Alliance’s response to evolving information threats.
FAQ
What is ‘neuro-warfare’? Neuro-warfare is the convergence of human and machine capabilities, potentially allowing for the understanding and influence of human thought processes.
What is the Riga StratCom Dialogue? It’s an event hosted by STRATCOMCOE bringing together experts to discuss strategic communications challenges.
What is the main concern highlighted in the NextGen Information Environment report? The report warns of a new Cold War defined by high-technology competition and the potential for adversaries to target citizens of NATO member states.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about emerging technologies and their potential impact on the information environment. Critical thinking and media literacy are essential skills in the age of algorithmic warfare.
Explore the full NextGen Information Environment report to delve deeper into these critical issues.
What are your thoughts on the future of information warfare? Share your insights in the comments below!
