The Hybrid Warfare of the Digital Age: How Disinformation Destabilizes the World


Published: Dec 31, 2024
Keywords:
Disinformation International Security Hybrid Warfare Social Media Global Stability
Daniele Battista
Abstract

Disinformation is becoming a central concern in the realm of international security, driven by the massive use of information technologies and the widespread availability of digital infrastructures on a global scale. This phenomenon manifests itself through the dissemination of false or misleading information with the aim of manipulating public opinion, destabilizing democratic institutions, and influencing political decisions worldwide. This study examines how disinformation is employed by state and non-state actors as a tool of hybrid warfare, with significant impacts on political balances. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of a collective response to safeguard stability and international security.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Articles
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Battista, D. (2023). In the Shadows of Disinformation: Fake News and Violations of Human Rights. Review of Human Rights, 9(1), 143-164.
Battista, D., & Uva, G. (2024). Navigating the virtual realm of hate: Analysis of policies combating online hate speech in the Italian-European context. Law, Technology and Humans, 6(1), 48-58.
Battista, D., & Uva, G. (2023). Exploring the Legal Regulation of Social Media in Europe: A Review of Dynamics and Challenges—Current Trends and Future Developments. Sustainability, 15(5), 4144.
Chesney, R., & Citron, D. (2019). Deepfakes and the new disinformation war: The coming age of post-truth geopolitics. Foreign Affairs, 98, 147.
Freelon, D., & Wells, C. (2020). Disinformation as political communication. Political communication, 37(2), 145-156.
Gallo, M., Fenza, G., & Battista, D. (2022). Information Disorder: What about global security implications?. Rivista di Digital Politics, 2(3), 523-538.
Gentile, M. (2023). Diabolical suggestions: Disinformation and the curious scale of nationalism in Ukrainian geopolitical fault-line cities. Geopolitics, 28(5), 1681-1709.
Kyaw, N. N. (2021). Social media, hate speech and fake news during Myanmar’s political transition. In: Sinpeng, A. and Tapsell, R. (eds.), From Grassroots Activism to Disinformation: Social Media in Southeast Asia. Singapore: Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS), pp. 86-104.
Rivas-de-Roca, R., & Battista, D. (2024). Fondos comunitarios en tiempos de crisis: La gestión de los alcaldes populistas en el sur de Europa. In: Comunicación política e institucional en tiempos de conflicto. Desafíos de la Unión Europea y nuevas narrativas ante la desinformación. Spain: Dykinson, pp. 514-530.
Rossetti, M., & Zaman, T. (2023). Bots, disinformation, and the first impeachment of US President Donald Trump. Plos one, 18(5), e0283971.
Salzano, D., Scognamiglio, I., & Battista, D. (2023). La rispazializzazione digitale nelle aree interne del Sud Italia= Digital respazialization in the inland areas of Southern Italy. H-ermes. Journal of Communication, (24), 51-72.