Influence Desk

The Influence Desk focuses on the use of cognitive warfare and the strategic use of influence operations by both state and non-state actors, including terrorist organizations. The desk examines how adversaries seek to shape perceptions, manipulate information environments, and alter the decision-making processes of target audiences to achieve political, ideological, and operational objectives.

The desk’s research explores the full spectrum of influence activities, including propaganda, disinformation and misinformation campaigns, psychological operations, radicalization, and the weaponization of social media and emerging technologies. Particular focus is given to how terrorist actors and their supporters leverage digital ecosystems to amplify narratives, recruit supporters, and incite violence. Research on state actors focuses on how state and state-like entities utilize influence operations as part of broader hybrid strategies.

In addition to theoretical insights, the desk produces policy-relevant findings and practical recommendations to counter malign influence. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating campaign strategies, and supporting the development of resilience-building practices against information manipulation and radicalization.