What is Cognitive Warfare?

<p class="ql-align-justify"><em>Cognitive Warfare represents a fundamental shift in the nature of modern conflict. From contesting of physical territories to trespassing into human cognition itself, this warfare seeks to corrupt the reasoning process of population through which they interpret reality and make decisions. This explainer draws from three doctrinal frameworks to understand the mechanism of Cognitive Warfare. It also traces the historical evolution of the concept, examines its operational mechanisms and its contemporary relevance in 2026, US-Israeli-Iran conflict. It also analysis its implication for India.</em></p>