5th generation warfare essay outline

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5th Generation Warfare

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Published: Feb 12, 2019

Words: 2033 | Pages: 4 | 11 min read

Works Cited

• Bajwa, A. (2017). The spectre of fifth-generation warfare. The Nation. Retrieved from https://nation.com.pk/24-Apr-2017/the-spectre-of-fifth-generation-warfare
• Clausewitz, C. V. (1989). On War. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
• Cohen, E. (2011). The Evolution of 5GW. Small Wars Journal, 7. Retrieved from https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/the-evolution-of-5gw
• Dunnigan, J. F. (2003). Fifth Generation Warfare. StrategyPage.
• Khan, M. A. (2018). Fifth generation warfare: An emerging threat to Pakistan's national security. Journal of Political Studies, 25(1), 291-305.
• Kirby, R. (2011). Reflections on the fifth dimension of warfare. Journal of Strategic Studies, 34(1), 125-145.
• Kuhlmann, J. (2007). The importance of understanding 5GW. Small Wars Journal, 3.
• Lindsay, J. R. (2018). The origins of fifth-generation warfare. Texas National Security Review, 1(1), 67-82.
• Mazarr, M. J., Shatz, H. J., & Johnson, R. W. (2020). Understanding modern 5th generation warfare. RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR2900/RR2979/RAND_RR2979.pdf
• Rostow, W. W. (1991). The changing face of war. Foreign Affairs, 70(1), 171-183.

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How Pakistan should combat the 5th generation war?

• Laraib Rafique Rai
• May 29, 2021
• CSS , CSS Past Papers , CSS Solved Pakistan Affairs , Current Affairs , Pakistan's External Affairs
• 38661 Views

CSS Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Paper 2021 | How Pakistan should combat the 5th generation war?

The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs 2021 is solved by  Laraib Rafique Rai  under the supervision of  Miss Nirmal Hasni.  She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from  Sir Syed Kazim Ali , Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.

Question’s Breakdown:

In this question, the examiner wants you to explain ways to counter the fifth-generation war in Pakistan. So, you have to take a stance, and then describe in your own words what the fifth-generation war is. Next, you must add a current scenario and the implications of the fifth-generation war in Pakistan. Then, you must pen down 4 to 5 steps to combat the ongoing war. In the end, write a critical analysis and conclusion.

Outline 

1- Introduction 

Fifth-generation war, a silent enemy, poses dire impacts on Pakistan’s political and economic stability. The most effective tools the country needs to counter the heinous war are none other than economic inclusiveness, good governance, provision of timely justice and the media’s productive role.

2- What is a fifth-generation war?

A type of proxy war waged against any economy by using data and information technology to fulfil various vested interests set by a country or a union.

3- How has the war entrapped Pakistan? 

• Pakistan dangling in the typhoon of the fifth generation war
• India, at the forefront, propagating falsified gambits against Pakistan
• Economic declivity, defamation of the state internationally; evidence of the ongoing war

4- What are the implications of the fifth generation war for Pakistan?

• Sectarian drift
• Economic decline: Receding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and increasing debt traps
• Ameliorating national integrity
• Diplomatic implications

5- Steps to combat the fifth generation war

• Deliverance of good governance
• Assurance of economic inclusiveness
• Promotion of justice
• The efficacious role of media

6- Critical analysis  7- Conclusion 

Answer to the Question

Introduction

Fifth-generation war, a silent enemy, poses dire impacts on a country. Like many other countries, Pakistan too, staggers in the storm of the heinous war ploys. It has halted the country’s politico-economic stability and peace drastically. However, the country’s most potent tools to counter the outrageous war are good governance, economic inclusiveness, promotion of justice, and the positive role of media. As a known fact, the repercussions of the nascent but perilous war are comparatively lower in the world’s dominant economies than the developing ones. Economic deprivation provokes people to get indulged in malicious activities. Therefore, being a developing state, Pakistan should keep an eagle’s eye on its economic performance. Along with that, good governance is mandatory for the country’s peace. Additionally, the provision of timely justice and the true role of media can turn the tide and steer the country’s ship toward peace and harmony. To cut short, by adopting all the above measures, Pakistan can easily surmount the challenges emanating from this new face of hybrid warfare.  

“With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you can not achieve.”

(Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah)

Fifth-generation war is a type of proxy war. any state wages war by manipulating data using social media platforms against the victim state to gain vested interests. It is comparatively more dreadful than a conventional war; as in this case, the unseen enemy encompasses every tool, from bombs to bots. Unluckily, the war has entrapped Pakistan badly. Currently, Pakistan is dangling amidst misinformation, fake propaganda, and perceptions.  Indian Chronicles, an EU DisinfoLab report,  shockingly unleashed the Indian government’s envious network spreading misinformation and propaganda against Pakistan. However, along with India, possibly many other states, apparently friends or foes, are actively involved in disseminating false controversies against it. The country’s continuous political-economic declivity, defamation internationally, and internal security issues provide enough evidence of the ongoing war. 

Pakistan is confronting significant threats of the 5GW both internally and externally. Internally, the war has made the country politically, economically, socially, and culturally fragile. However, the issue has grave impacts. First, it has used religion and sect as weapons and triggered the sectarian drift countrywide, creating political instability. Second, it has torn down its economic fabric by manipulating its political stability, which, in turn, hinders the country’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Consequently, unemployment, inflation, and poverty have become Pakistan’s fate. Third, by dissipating false information, the war has disbanded the social and cultural bonds of the nation. For instance, provincial disharmony and national disintegration are on the blaze in the country. Due to a lack of awareness among the masses, public opinion is easily moulded against the state. Besides this, externally, the hostile states propagate anti-Pakistan themes, such as defaming her on the international platform, portraying her as a hub of terrorism, and isolating her in the region. All these implications are nasty for the country’s existence. 

The country’s political, economic, social, and strategic efforts are indispensable to mitigating the challenges of the war. Politically, Pakistan should display good governance across the board to combat the fifth-generation war. Eradicating all the social evils: inflation, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption and extremism, from society would win public trust in the state’s favour. Additionally, providing quality education to the natives would enhance awareness and resilience against anti-state propaganda. In this regard, revision of the curriculum, encapsulating patriotic conception and sacrifices rendered in the salvation of Pakistan, is mandatory. As it is rightly said, “Education is the panacea for all the evils.” Moreover, the government should endorse national integration by inculcating the ideology of Pakistan in the nation, as only a united society can win the battle, whether conventional or non-conventional.

The economy has always enhanced a nation’s conflict management and regional credibility. There is a dire need to sustain economic inclusiveness in Pakistan’s case, and implement tax, and financial reforms to elevate the nation’s economy. Thereby, the creation of new employment avenues by attracting the FDI bears fruits of economic strength. Also, the country’s economic upswing will help get out of the debt trap. In brief, the government’s ultimate aim should be to achieve self-resilience in the economic sphere. 

Furthermore, an independent and unbiased judiciary is the strength of a country. Similarly, in time justice, the provision of in time justice helps the government build the public’s trust and gain their loyalty. In Pakistan’s case, providing easy and prompt justice is an effective way to successfully combat the prevailing fifth-generation war. Timely dispensation of justice will develop a sense of protection and satisfaction among the public. Not only this, but it will prevent them from indulging in anti-state activity. 

Another vital tool to defend the country against pernicious conflict is the media’s constructive role. In this regard, devising wise media and social media policies, laws, and other communicational mechanisms should prioritise the national interest while standing independent and unbiased. Most importantly, all the media platforms must shun disinformation and negativity and stop playing the games of external enemies. Additionally, they should exhibit a great sense of responsibility by building Pakistan’s positive image globally.

Critical Analysis 

To evaluate critically, the land of pure is dangling in the storm of the fifth generation war. The country, therefore, needs to strengthen its politico-economic stability to mitigate the Challenges emanating from the fifth-generation war. In this regard, providing good governance, rooting out all the social evils from society, assuring economic inclusiveness, and providing instantaneous justice is the need of an hour to attain resilience against any hostile intentions, internally or externally. Furthermore, the media’s positive role is indispensable to winning this war. Similarly, an independent judiciary is pivotal for the country’s peace and stability. Moreover, the current curriculum of the education sector needs revision. It must include the ideology of Pakistan and sacrifices rendered in the salvation of Pakistan. 

In a globalised world today, Pakistan, like many other countries, is facing multiple threats to its sovereignty both by internal facets and antagonistic states. These soaring challenges call Pakistan for a wide-ranging discourse for an in-depth insight into this ever-present threat spectrum- emerging in the skin of fifth-generation war (5GW)- and gearing up for all elements of national power to prop an efficacious response against the prevailing menace. However, Pakistan’s strategic policies and strenuous efforts of all the tyres of the government bear bright chances to carve a win-win situation for the country. Last but not least, Pakistan can combat the dreadful war, not through weapons but through soft power and a strong economy.

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Fifth-Generation Warfare: The Blurring Lines of War and Peace

I. introduction.

The term Fifth-Generation Warfare (5GW) has been used to describe the latest evolution in warfare. It is characterized by a blurring of the lines between war and peace. 5GW is different from traditional forms of warfare. Fourth Generation Warfare focused on asymmetric tactics and guerrilla warfare. Instead, 5GW is marked by the combination of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors . This essay aims to provide an overview of 5GW, its characteristics, impact, and implications for the future of warfare.

The historical evolution of warfare has seen the development of different generations of warfare. First Generation Warfare focused on the use of mass manpower. Second Generation Warfare focused on firepower. Third Generation Warfare focused on maneuvering. Moreover, Fourth Generation Warfare focused on asymmetric tactics and guerrilla warfare. Fifth Generation Warfare represents the latest evolution, characterized by the integration of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors.

It is important to understand 5GW as it has the potential to change the nature of warfare and the way conflicts are resolved. It is a multidimensional and complex form of warfare that challenges traditional military strategies and international law and norms.

This essay began by defining 5GW and will provide an overview of its characteristics. It will then examine the impact of 5GW on gray zone conflicts, cyber and information warfare, and the role of non-state actors. Finally, it will explore the implications of 5GW for the blurring lines of war and peace. It will be including the concept of “peacetime military operations,” the changing nature of warfare, and the role of diplomacy and non-military means in resolving conflicts.

Also Read: Durand Line History: How did it come into Being?

II. Characteristics of Fifth-Generation Warfare

A. hybrid warfare:.

One of the key characteristics of 5GW is the integration of various forms of warfare, including conventional, irregular, and cyber warfare. This type of warfare is referred to as hybrid warfare, and it is designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of the enemy while protecting the strengths of the attacker. It involves the use of a combination of military and non-military means, such as propaganda, disinformation, and covert operations, to achieve political objectives.

B. Non-linear warfare:

Another characteristic of 5GW is the non-linear nature of the battlefield. In traditional warfare, the battlefield is defined by a clear front line, but in 5GW, the battlefield is fluid and constantly changing. This makes it difficult to identify the enemy, and it challenges the traditional concept of victory in warfare.

C. Multi-domain warfare:

5GW also involves the integration of various domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This makes it possible to conduct operations in multiple domains simultaneously, giving the attacker a strategic advantage over the defender.

D. Political warfare:

In 5GW, the use of political warfare is an essential component of the overall strategy. This includes the use of diplomacy, economic pressure, and psychological operations to influence the enemy’s decision-making process.

These characteristics of 5GW make it a complex and multidimensional form of warfare that challenges traditional military strategies and international law and norms. It requires a new approach to warfare that integrates advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors.

Also Read: Global Warming Myth or Reality Essay

III. Impact of Fifth-Generation Warfare

A. gray zone conflicts:.

5GW has led to an increase in gray zone conflicts, which are defined as conflicts that fall between traditional war and peace. These conflicts are characterized by the use of non-military means to achieve political objectives, and they challenge the traditional concept of victory in warfare. Gray zone conflicts also blur the lines between state and non-state actors, making it difficult to identify the enemy and respond effectively.

For example , in 2014 , Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, which was considered an example of a gray zone conflict. It is because it was achieved through a combination of military and non-military means. These means were disinformation and covert operations which were used to achieve political objectives.

B. Cyber and information warfare:

5GW has also led to an increase in the use of cyber and information warfare. These forms of warfare involve the use of technology to disrupt, degrade, or destroy the enemy’s ability to communicate and operate. Cyber and information warfare can be used to target critical infrastructure, disrupt communications, and spread disinformation.

For example , in 2016 , Russian hackers launched a cyber attack on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to influence the U.S. presidential election.

C. Role of non-state actors:

In 5GW, non-state actors, such as terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations, play a significant role. These actors can use asymmetric tactics and unconventional warfare to exploit the vulnerabilities of the enemy. They can also use advanced technology, such as drones and cyber capabilities, to conduct operations in multiple domains.

For example , in 2020 , the terrorist group, ISIS , used drones to attack oil fields in Iraq and Syria. This demonstrated the ability of non-state actors to use advanced technology in their operations.

D. Challenges to traditional military strategies:

5GW presents significant challenges to traditional military strategies, which are designed to fight conventional wars. It requires a new approach to warfare that integrates advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors. This new approach requires a deep understanding of the enemy’s motivations, capabilities, and vulnerabilities.

For example , in the fight against terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS , traditional military strategies have proven to be ineffective. Ultimately, a new approach that integrates political, economic, and social strategies is needed to effectively combat these non-state actors.

Also Read: India-China Relations – The Border Dispute

IV. The blurring lines of war and peace

A. the concept of “peacetime military operations”:.

The coalition of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors in fifth-generation warfare has led to the concept of “peacetime military operations.” These operations are designed to achieve strategic objectives without resorting to traditional warfare, and they blur the lines between war and peace. Peacetime military operations can include covert operations, cyber attacks, and economic sanctions, among others.

B. The changing nature of warfare:

5GW has changed the nature of warfare, making it more complex and multidimensional. The use of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors has led to a shift away from traditional warfare, and the concept of victory is no longer based on the defeat of the enemy’s military.

C. The role of diplomacy and non-military means in resolving conflicts:

5GW has increased the importance of diplomacy and non-military means in resolving conflicts. In order to effectively respond to 5GW, it is necessary to understand the enemy’s motivations and vulnerabilities and to use diplomatic and economic means to achieve strategic objectives.

D. The implications for international law and norms:

5GW challenges traditional concepts of international law and norms, such as the laws of armed conflict, and the principle of state sovereignty. The use of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors in 5GW raises questions about the applicability of traditional legal frameworks and the need for new norms and rules to govern this new form of warfare.

Also Read: Tips to Make Outline of CSS Essay

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW) represents the latest evolution in warfare, characterized by the integration of advanced technology, political warfare, and the use of non-state actors. It is a multidimensional and complex form of warfare that challenges traditional military strategies and international law and norms. This essay has provided an overview of 5GW, its characteristics, impact, and implications for the future of warfare.

5GW has led to an increase in gray zone conflicts, the use of cyber and information warfare, and the role of non-state actors. It has also led to the concept of “peacetime military operations” which blur the lines between war and peace. The changing nature of warfare and the role of diplomacy and non-military means in resolving conflicts are also notable implications of 5GW.

It is important to continue researching and understanding 5GW in order to develop effective strategies to respond to this new form of warfare. This requires a deep understanding of the enemy’s motivations, capabilities, and vulnerabilities, and the use of advanced technology, political warfare, and non-state actors. Moreover, It is necessary to review the traditional legal frameworks to adapt them to this new form of warfare and establish new norms and rules to govern it.

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FIFTH GENERATION WARFARE: CHALLENGES AND ROLE OF MEDIA IN PAKISTANI CONTEXT

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This research paper analysis challenges of fifth generation warfare to Balochistan. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan, making about 45% of its territory. It is an important geo-strategic and geoeconomic location. The world powers have been meddling in Balochistan since it became part of Pakistan in 1947. The province has witnessed externally-abetted insurgencies followed by suicide attacks, bomb blasts and insecurity throughout its history. At present, Balochistan is at war, waged by foreign hostile forces. The province is being subjected to fifth generation warfare massively. The adversaries of Pakistan have been trying to generate chaos and lawlessness in the province in order to gain their political objectives. Pursuing their nefarious designs, the enemies are behind conspiracies against the province, targeting it with tools of fifth generation warfare. The enemies of our country are sponsoring insurgencies, abetting terrorism, sabotaging development projects, and publishing misleading and fake media reports to influence the minds of local communities and incite them against its own state and its institutions. This research paper explores challenges of fifth generation warfare to Balochistan. These challenges include foreign involvement, terrorism, externallyabetted insurgent groups, and propaganda campaigns launched by hostile forces. Data for this study has been collected through both primary and secondary sources.

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An Introduction to Fifth Generation Warfare

• March 31, 2022

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love 5GW

We type these words travelling through the Swiss Alps on high-speed rail. As the world becomes smaller, we at The Radio Research Group have witnessed firsthand how nearly everything we knew about modern conflict is changing, under the shadow of Fifth Generation Warfare. The incredible, exponential, accelerating pace of technology has overturned centuries of standard operating procedure. Diplomats and military leaders alike have been thrust into uncharted domains, disrupted by an invisible enemy that makes us question our reality.

Darkness descends upon us as a tunnel envelops our train. Terrestrial GSM goes dark, satellite tracking loses sync. We enter the Gotthard Base tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world.

Our world is evolving so quickly that classical frameworks of thought around modern warfare have become irrelevant. Our GSM modem connects to a cell tower deep within the tunnel. We reconnect to the world, deep underground, at the speed of light. Pre-existing notions believed to be impossible beforehand have now become commonplace.

Our train exits the tunnel, sunlight envelops the train as GPS returns back online. Incredible mountains open up all around us as we enter an incredible new world.

What is 5GW?

William Lind’s generations of warfare model goes something like this:

The concept of Fifth Generation Warfare itself is controversial, with Lind arguing against it saying that 4GW “had yet to fully materialize”. We argue that what is happening in modern conflict today is so radically different from the 4th generation framework that it’s time to enter the fifth generation. (We were so convinced that we had to write the Wikipedia article on it ourselves, despite it now being heavily redacted. Many of the key elements we have added here.)

Our favourite definition of Fifth Generation Warfare is featured in Abbot’s “Handbook of 5GW”, 2010, stating that “The very nature of Fifth Generation Warfare is that it is difficult to define.” Besides the fact that defining a subject based on it being difficult to define is counterintuitive, Abbot adds that 5GW is a war of “information and perception”.

5GW is a war of information and perception.

We at Radio Research have evolved the definition, stating that Fifth Generation Warfare is defined by data-driven, non-kinetic military action designed to take advantage of existing cognitive biases and create new cognitive biases. Or as Abbott and Rees/Herring describe, “the deliberate manipulation of an observer’s context in order to achieve a desired outcome.”

Fifth-generation warfare technologies have advanced to the point that when applied correctly, their very use has been concealed. As we will describe further below in the Attribution Problem, in many cases simply understanding who is behind a 5GW attack is impossible.

This means that a Fifth Generation Warfare conflict can be fought and won without a single bullet being fired, or even most of the population knowing that a war is taking place. The following technologies and techniques are often associated with 5GW. What’s important to note is that these technologies may be used to heavily influence, or completely remove the need for kinetic combat:

• Social engineering
• Decentralized and highly non attributable psychological warfare (memes, fake news)
• Open-source intelligence
• Commercially available Social media analytics
• Open source and grey market Data Sets
• Commercially available Satellite / SA imagery
• Commercially available Electromagnetic intelligence
• Cryptographic backdoors
• Open source encryption/ DeFi / Community technology
• Low cost Radios / SDRs
• Quantum computers? (unclear if being used yet at scale)

Abbot finished his description of 5GW quite elegantly, quoting Clarke’s third law; “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

In Summary 5GW:

• Is a war of information and perception
• Targets existing cognitive biases of individuals and organizations
• Creates new cognitive biases (social engineering)
• Focuses on the individual observer / decision maker
• Is difficult or impossible to attribute
• Nature of the attack is concealed

Below we will describe where current frameworks for warfare begin to unravel, and what we can do next.

The origins of 5GW as mentioned before are hotly contested, as data driven warfare combined with propaganda date back at least to the end of WWII. Some of the best work in the space happened around this time.

For our analysis, we focus on how networked mobile computing and big data analytics are being used to drive decision making on a societal scale. While the “Handbook of 5GW” alludes to early examples, the book was published before one of the most disruptive societal events had happened since 9/11.

Precursors to 5GW: The First Accidental Fifth Generation Conflict

The Arab Spring represents a key turning point in warfare, emerging in Tunisia in 2008, and erupting across North Africa in 2010. The Arab Spring was the first conflict to be driven by Social Media, primarily Facebook and Twitter.

We had witnessed first-hand that a revolution or protest would show up first in the data, then on BBC a few hours later. The conflict was manifesting itself online, and generating tremendous amounts of data before any kinetic action would take place.

The Arab Spring lacks a few key elements of Fifth Generation Warfare, most notably the ambiguity of the opposing force. (Despite having some ambiguity as to who was fueling it. An interesting side note is that one of the main organizers of the Egyptian Revolution, Wael Ghonim, worked at Google at the time).

From our interactions with people involved during those early years of mostly privatized data collection, the use of social media to cascade into a regional conflict was almost entirely accidental. Because of that, we like to call The Arab Spring the first accidental fifth-generation conflict.

The societal echoes of the Arab spring continued to bounce around the planet, focusing a few years later on Hong Kong and Taiwan during democratic protests in 2014. At this point, we begin to see a new technology beginning to emerge: Decentralized technologies (or “zero trust systems” for those of you who work in more conservative organizations like the DoD). During the Sep 2014 Hong Kong protests, encrypted messaging apps were used heavily. When local cellular infrastructure was “overloaded” protesters employed a decentralized Mesh networking app called Firechat- completely bypassing Great Firewall restrictions. Governments were so disturbed by the event, Russia began deploying its own electronic warfare units to protests.

Decentralized currencies like Bitcoin began to see popular use, For example during Occupy Wall Street, 2011). While decentralized warfare is a key element of the 4GW definition, the coming ambiguity of attackers and the use of big data and media as a weapon reinforcing one another takes us into new realms.

Fitting a Fifth Generation Warfare puzzle piece into a Fourth generation playing field

While warfare has a long history of psychological operations and propaganda, conflict going online has accelerated psychological warfare, reducing the feedback loops to milliseconds. Facebook product teams have a word for this: “Dopamine Loops”. In the world of big tech, you can build, test, deploy in a matter of minutes. Military, advertising, and political strategists are beginning to think about how they can leverage over a hundred years of teachings in psychological warfare and combine this knowledge with data-driven, psychological feedback loops to influence behaviour.

We call this the Social Engine, Facebook (sorry “Meta”) calls it “business as usual”. The creation of data-driven cognitive biases has already defined the past decade, everything from “swinging” elections, to determining a Netflix script, or which celebrity will be in an advertisement for makeup.

In fact, we used GPT-3, an AI algorithm to write the italicized section of this paragraph. GPT-3 is a predictive text entry program, which allows people to type words on their keyboard by predicting keys that are likely to be typed. This allows us to influence cognitive biases by sneaking certain ideas into peoples’ text, bypassing their critical thought processes altogether. People will then replicate these messages in their own texts, and the spread of the content will be a reflection of the users’ natural cognitive biases.

These capabilities are unseen in traditional warfare and do not fit well into the 4GW framework.

One of the main areas where 4th generation warfare begins to break down is the ambiguity of the attacking force, in particular, “the cyber attribution problem”. This is related to the fact that software engineers are actively hiding or misconstruing their identity while writing lines of code. In some cases, hackers are even using modified cyberweapons leaked from NSA servers (see EternalBlue, 2017).

In a Fifth Generation of cyberwar, simply knowing who your enemy is can be nearly impossible.

The Attribution Problem

The cyber attribution problem has highlighted the problems of traditional warfare, as almost all modern military doctrine requires knowing the identity of your enemy. This is where modern conflict begins to get outright frightening. Governments have routinely stated that cyberattacks can and will be responded to with kinetic force.

In the 2018 edition of the “U.S. Dept. of Defense Nuclear Posture Review” the U.S. government states that they reserve the right to respond to “non-nuclear strategic attacks” with “the employment of nuclear weapons”. The fatal flaw of nuclear deterrence is that it does not apply only to nuclear weapons.

“The United States would only consider the employment of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States, its allies, and partners. Extreme circumstances could include significant non-nuclear strategic attacks .” (Insert Citation)

The Nuclear Posture Review itself mentions “Cyber” sixteen times. Considering some of the largest cyberattacks in history was started by teenagers, (Mirai botnet, 2016) the impact of The Cyber Attribution Problem on modern nuclear deterrent theory is quite literally insane.

“We used to be able to get into a room with an enemy, now they’re just floating in the ether,” -M speaking to Bond in No Time to Die, 2021

A new era begins.

The Birth of Fifth Generation Warfare

Social media in its essence (along with most of the internet today) is driven by for-profit cognitive programming, also known as advertising. Ads along with the exponentially growing set of “Advertising” data generated by billions of people have now been weaponized. The amount of data that can be collected on an individual is increasing exponentially.

We argue that the first compelling case of Fifth Generation Warfare was the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. This includes complete ambiguity of the opposing force, wide-scale societal engineering using data (see Cambridge Analytica), organized counterattacks between government and social media companies, censorship, and the direct attack on the decision making process of billions of people.

We encourage you to read the leaked internal Facebook report detailing precisely how this is taking place from the perspective of a computer scientist. It’s fascinating and very scary: “Stop the Steal and Patriot Party: The Growth and Mitigation of an Adversarial Harmful Movement”).

Unfortunately, the 2016 presidential election gets too political for most readers, as their own cognitive biases prevent the creation of a subjective Fifth Generation Warfare framework. We may update this section in the future, and continue our story of 5GW with something far less controversial.

Israel, May 2021: Operation Guardian of the Walls

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are masters of information warfare. Israel even has their own propaganda division of the military, the IDF Spokesperson Unit. They have a pretty cool logo, representing the propagation of radio waves.

The first 5GW conflict to evolve into a kinetic battle (excluding the storming of the U.S. Capitol a few months before) took place during the 2021 Israel–Palestine conflict. On May 13th, 2021, the IDF announced falsely on Twitter, and on the record to The Wall Street Journal, that “IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip”. The IDF had announced that an Israeli invasion of Gaza had begun.

The New York Times then reported the following day that the announcement had been a deception, that no Israeli troops had stepped foot into Gaza. IDF further clarified the statement declaring that the intent of the announcement was to expose opposing Hamas forces (presumably using unmanned ISR) and destroy tunnel networks with precision-guided munitions.

Katz and Bohbot describe separately in their book “Weapon Wizards, 2017”, how IMSI-catchers and cellular network analysis were used to previously identify and destroy Hamas tunnels. If an IMSI “teleports” from one place to another, it’s a tunnel. A single fighter (likely many) forgetting to turn off their cellular transmitters after the news reports may have resulted in massive, heavy bombing attacks. There is so much data in our corner of the universe, that the absence of data can even provide information.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit announced two weeks after operation “Guardian of The Walls”, that the conflict was the “First AI war”. IDF continued to describe a system built by Unit 8200 that fused “signal intelligence (SIGINT), visual intelligence (VISINT), human intelligence ( HUMINT ), geographical intelligence (GEOINT)”. While such battlefield management systems (BMS, or C5ISR) have existed for years before the 2021 Gaza crisis, the announcements themselves combined with social media deception and precision-guided munitions represent a stark contrast to the Lind definition of fourth-generation warfare.

The IDF example does however lack “ambiguity of the opposing force”, but does include many unprecedented techniques and technologies- most notably using media as a weapon combined with unmanned ISR.

From here take a quick coffee break, before we dive even deeper into the strange, mind-bending and brain-frying world of Fifth Generation Warfare.

A Syndrome in Havana : A Symptom of Fifth Generation Warfare?

Our last example, Havana Syndrome , includes the purest form of Fifth Generation Warfare we have witnessed to date. It is also one of the weirdest. Havana Syndrome checks all of the 5GW boxes:

• Ambiguity of the opposing force.
• Ambiguity of attack vector.
• Dopamine loops.
• Triggering existing cognitive biases in target.
• Creating new cognitive biases.

In fact, Havana Syndrome is so obscure there is significant debate within the U.S. DoD on whether or not it even exists.

Havana Syndrome was first reported in and around the Cuban embassy in 2016 and has since been reported all around the world including Guangzhou, Hanoi, Berlin, and most notably Vienna, Austria.

Diplomats report hearing strange noises and headaches, resulting in significant neurological damage. The US Army Mad Science Lab interviewed Dr James Giordano, one of the doctors involved in researching the cases.

You should read the deleted report, it is extremely interesting: ( Link to report )

As Dr James Giordano describes to the U.S. Army Mad Science Lab:

“To date, there are over 100 validated cases of personnel being afflicted with the subjective symptoms and clinically validated objective signs representative of Havana syndrome… “ The acute symptoms are relatively ambiguous, in that some individuals report sensations of pressure in the head, ringing or buzzing in the ears, and feelings of confusion… “The majority of the originally affected individuals, and many of those subsequently affected have shown long-lasting, discernible neurological features that are evident upon physiologic testing and imaging…”.

To make things even more interesting, the State Department recently declared that 5GW was no attack at all, simply a cricket, Anurogryllus Celerinictus , and that psychogenic effects were the primary cause of reported health issues.

The Army report has since been deleted. We do love 5GW!

The last we checked, there is no Anurogryllus Celerinictus in Vienna or Berlin, but go read the DoD report for yourself. The very nature of the attack being ambiguous, and the heated debates between DoD and even CIA officials over causes and existence make “Havana Syndrome” fit perfectly into our 5GW framework.

Take a look at the DoD report on crickets: ( Source )

We surely have not seen the last of our friend Anurogryllus Celerinictus , and expect to see more attacks like this play out in the future. (We think it is a Massive MIMO attack using modded cell towers, but that’s story for another day)

History of Fifth Generation Warfare Summary:

5GW Checklist:

• Emerges from The Arab Spring.
• Solidified during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
• The 2021 Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the first example of 5GW in kinetic battle.
• Havana Syndrome is pure 5GW.

From here, the future is incredibly uncertain. We lie at the brink of WWIII in Europe. Deep Fakes are being created by both sides. It is more important now than ever to begin thinking about 5GW. We have attempted to organize a framework of thought .

Our thinking on this is evolving rapidly, as cognitive bias plays a role in influencing each section of the OODA loop. Here are some recommendations:

Observe: What’s happening. Understand the battlespace, attempt to single out the opponent or describe key attributes. Get as much data as you can and hire the best people who can work with that data. China is doing this by building a network of “AI consultancies” around the earth, along with backdooring apps for kids to feed massive amounts of data back to Beijing. The U.S. does this by working with Facebook, ISPs, and controlling Android. Hedge funds have a lot of this data as well. Maintain caution when developing your own mass surveillance tools, as this may accelerate the systemic issues in your society, and the enemy will target these weak points within your own team. Mass surveillance generally poses more risks to civilization than benefits. Is mass surveillance a deterrent technology? This is open for debate and becomes increasingly relevant in 5GW.

Orient: Attempt to understand any pre-existing cultural biases you may have. 5GW attacks the decision-making ability using the biases as cognitive tools of influence. What memes do you like or political groups you do prefer, what are your fetishes and dislikes? What skeletons do you have in the closet? How do you use social media? How’s your relationship going with a loved one? All of this data is being harvested from your internet history and the spatial web and will be used against you in a world of Fifth Gen targeted warfare. (Most of this data is commercially available on the grey market).

Once you establish a psychological baseline, we can try to separate cultural biases from cognitive biases. A meme you viewed the day before can certainly impact decisions you are going to make today. The only recommendation we have here so far is to reduce your digital attack surface, go spend time in nature, and meditate. Meditate on your pre-existing cultural biases to build a baseline and understand where your ego will play in your subconscious decision-making processes. Humans really haven’t progressed very far in understanding this front, and some of the best work on this is thousands of years old. We recommend starting with the Bhagavad Gita.

Decide: We now have to choose the best strategy to recover faster, move forward, and act with minimal damage. See if you can test your hypotheses, and watch out for making the same decision over and over again. In many cases, you simply have to “move fast and break things”, and make sure that when you do Act that you get data. Have the means to analyze this data at scale and a plan for a complete breakdown in communications. Ideally, you have some insanely large supercomputers to help you, the latest Facebook Graph, and that you watch out for biases in your own algorithms. In many cases the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System will already be orbiting, your servers will be on fire, your comms backdoored, and you won’t have the pleasure of testing your theories.

Act: Pull the trigger, and get as much possible data as you can in the aftermath. In the end, we’re all human, this is what will be used against us.

We Are only at The Beginning of 5GW

Hopefully, we could give you a quick overview of what the hell 5GW is, its history, and how we can begin thinking about it. Our definition of a 5GW framework is evolving, and we encourage you to contribute to the conversation and challenge our thinking.

Denying that 5GW exists is incredibly dangerous, and we see a tremendous divide between the hackers and cryptographers we speak to and officials in the public sector. Most people we speak to at the DoD think we’re completely crazy.

The attacks that we will begin to see will quickly evolve beyond “crickets” and into the bizarre and seemingly impossible. It’s easy to get rather depressed about a future of biological and nuclear deterrence, massive social engineering attacks, and hypersonic proliferation concerns. But we must always remain positive.

Thinking about the world in regards to limited resources, (a war of “us” vs. “them”) is the root of much of the world’s issues. Our economy is moving digital, and incredible technologies are coming online that solve most of the resource-driven conflicts that we have seen historically:

• Petrochemical – Nuclear
• Drought – Desalination
• PetroDollar – DeFi
• Disease – mRNA/ CRISPR
• Advertising – Web3

Civilization requires a fundamental shift in our organizations and institutions towards a perspective of abundance, with a strong focus on defence based deterrence (e.g. password managers or the Iron Dome). Data is going to help us. Understanding and mastering 5GW is going to be key.

And to finish, we once asked a DARPA program manager how they stay optimistic about the future, having witnessed so many technologies that could wipe civilization off the face of this earth. The ex-program manager responded, “Civilization has been through a lot, they always get through!”

The future is going to be incredibly interesting, and we’re excited to see it.

5GW Recommendations :

• Use the OODA loop to build a framework of thinking.
• Understand basic cybersecurity: Use a password manager and hardware security keys. Understand your own biases, culture and those that have inflicted you (media, memes)
• Meditate and understand your own biases
• Map your electronic attack surface and Work to limit your digital footprint (e.g. who has access to your location data?)
• Attain complete technology awareness on your domain
• Map and visualize filter bubbles
• Assume your entire network is going to get attacked, taken offline and have a plan
• Do not underestimate blockchain, learn about zero knowledge proofs and DAOs. Read the Blockchain And Decentralized Systems by Pavel Kravchenko for everything you need to know technically. Read The Sovereign Individual for a good understanding on the societal implications.
• Assume all commercial cryptography is either backdoored or will be broken during the next great conflict
• Map your cryptographic roots or trust and have a key management plant
• Invest in modern communications equipment and “zero trust systems”
• Pay for security audits and Red teams if you are an organisation
• Red team your systems.
• Red team your people, perform simulated phishing exercises.
• 5GW is mostly defensive, but there are a few things to be done.
• Inoculation Theory. A fairly new concept for resisting social engineering, but a focus on reinforcing an idea by presenting the intended target with weak counterarguments. A recommendation from Over The Horizon: ( Link )
• Surveillance, Controversial but effective, at least in understanding a baseline.
• Censorship. Social media companies are a business of influencing cognitive bias.
• Generation of fake and alternative profiles and data, hide in the randomness. See Sybil attack, sock puppet accounts.
• Meme warfare.
• Make social media algorithms accountable and open. This is a major problem today as social media reinforces cognitive biases, generally for profit.

Essential reading on the history and future of propaganda, and information warfare:

• Massenpsychologie (Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego), Sigmund Freud, 1921.
• Propaganda, Edward Bernays, 1928 (heavily inspired Propaganda Minister Goebbels).
• The Ultra Secret, F.W. Winterbotham, 1974. The first “tech leak”, the book goes into detail in the breaking of the Enigma Codes at Bletchley Park, along with the propaganda campaigns organized by Churchill and Special Liaison Officers to hide Ultra’s use.
• Berlin Diary William L. Shirer, 1941. Describes the compelling account of WWII breaking out in Europe as it’s happening, as described by a CBS news correspondent. His descriptions of Nazi propaganda and arguments with censors is fascinating.
• Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, 2007. Just read it.
• Snow Crash Neal Stephenson, 1992. (Science Fiction) An extremely entertaining account on information warfare, literally defined the “MetaVerse” and “Avatar”

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The Silent Threat: How 5th Generation Warfare Impacts Physical Security

In an era marked by technological advancement and interconnectedness, the concept of warfare has evolved beyond traditional battlefields and military hardware. The rise of 5th Generation Warfare (5GW) has ushered in a new era of conflict that operates in the realms of ideas, narratives, and information. While it may seem that 5GW is limited to the digital realm, its implications for physical security are profound and far-reaching.

1. Disruption of Critical Infrastructure

One of the most significant threats posed by 5GW is the potential disruption of critical infrastructure through cyberattacks. Malicious actors can target power grids, water supplies, transportation networks, and other essential services, causing widespread chaos and leaving communities vulnerable. This not only affects daily life but also undermines societal trust in the government's ability to ensure safety and security.

2. Perception as a Weapon

In 5GW, perception is a potent weapon. Manipulative narratives, disinformation campaigns, and propaganda can shape public opinion and perception of security threats. By sowing fear, distrust, and confusion, malicious actors can create an environment where individuals feel unsafe even in the absence of immediate physical threats. This erosion of public confidence can weaken institutions tasked with maintaining physical security.

3. Psychological Warfare

5GW blurs the lines between physical and psychological warfare. The dissemination of horrifying imagery, threatening messages, and fabricated scenarios can evoke psychological distress and anxiety on a mass scale. This psychological impact can create an environment of fear and paranoia, leading to changes in behavior and increased vulnerability to physical security risks.

4. Manipulation of Social Movements

Social movements, protests, and demonstrations have become integral to modern societies. 5GW actors can exploit these movements to their advantage. By infiltrating peaceful protests or inciting violence, they can escalate tensions and destabilize communities. This manipulation not only endangers public safety but also undermines the credibility of legitimate social causes.

5. Destabilization of Nations

5th Generation Warfare can exacerbate existing social, economic, and political tensions within nations. By exploiting divisive issues and amplifying dissent, malicious actors can create an environment conducive to instability. This, in turn, weakens the government's ability to maintain law and order, leaving societies vulnerable to both internal and external threats.

6. Hybrid Tactics

5GW often employs hybrid tactics that combine traditional military strategies with information warfare. For instance, disinformation campaigns can be used to justify military interventions or shape the narrative of conflicts. This blurring of lines between physical and informational tactics complicates the task of identifying and countering threats, making traditional security responses less effective.

7. Diversion of Resources

The emphasis on countering 5GW can divert resources away from addressing conventional physical security threats. As governments and organizations focus on combating misinformation and cyber threats, they may inadvertently neglect more traditional security concerns, leaving vulnerabilities exposed.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Physical Security in the Age of 5GW

As the boundaries between physical and information warfare continue to blur, safeguarding physical security requires a holistic approach that accounts for both tangible and intangible threats. Recognizing the impact of manipulative narratives, cyberattacks, and psychological tactics is paramount. This involves enhancing critical thinking, strengthening cybersecurity, and fostering resilience in individuals and communities. By understanding the interconnected nature of 5th Generation Warfare and its implications for physical security, we can better prepare for the challenges of this evolving conflict landscape.

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Hybrid Warfare Threats for Pakistan: Security Dynamics and the Way Forward

• July 16, 2021 |

Sajad Ahmad ,

• Image Credit: The Kootneeti

In contemporary times, hybrid warfare threats are perceived as lethal as nuclear weapons and sophisticated missile technology. It is not wrong to say that hybrid warfare poses direct threats to states, thereby provoking disruption and destruction. With the changing nature of warfare and emerging technologies, countries have been increasingly engaged in the quest for state-of-the-art strategies and tactics against adversary states. However, in South Asia specifically, India has intensified its hybrid warfare campaign against Pakistan in recent times. The last couple of months witnessed Indian-backed terror attacks , information weaponization campaigns, and BJP troll farms disseminate well-orchestrated propaganda against Pakistan to disturb the countrys peace and besmirch its image within and abroad.

Unlike major wars that are fought on battlefields and where the contested parties can easily be classified as victors or losers, wars now have transformed into a multi-dimensional domain and are waged via diverse means. Hybrid warfare refers to the synchronised use of multiple instruments of power tailored to specific vulnerabilities across the full spectrum of societal functions to achieve synergistic effects. The term was first coined in 2006 by Frank G. Hoffman, a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Marine Corps, who took the term from Robert G Walkers thesis pertinent to low-intensity operations conducted by the US Marine forces. Like the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, which is considered to be one of the prominent examples of hybrid warfare in the past.

Similarly, the case of India against Pakistan is well-thought-out. Its hybrid threats to Pakistan are considerable, to say the least. Owing to credible nuclear deterrence and Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), India does not want to indulge in a full-scale or a limited war with Pakistan directly. Hence it rather chooses to use other fluid means to destabilise and demoralise Pakistan. New Delhi officially introduced Doval Doctrine (Offensive-Defensive Doctrine) in 2014 in this regard. At present, the purpose clearly seems to inflict damage on Pakistan through various clandestine measures like stocking terrorism or proxies, cyber-attacks and subversion, information operations (using fake news campaigns, policy and news articles as a means of propaganda and manipulation), and even economic coercion.

Likewise, India practices alternative means of warfare to undermine Pakistans economic, political, and social assets through covert actions. Decades earlier, during the 1971 war, India categorically propped up Mukti Bahini to enable the dismantling of Pakistan. The Kalbhushan Jadhav episode in March 2016, and the Indian collusion amid the Army Public School (APS), Peshawar attack in 2014 are supplemental instances of Indias malevolent attempts against Pakistan.

India has been supporting proxies or terror outfits across Pakistan. New Delhis assistance to some Baloch ethno-nationalist militant groups like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA) has explicitly been admitted by some Indian newspapers.

These illicit activities can be evident from the records released by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Investigation Network (FinCEN) in September 2020. The records evince Indias probable involvement in financial assistance to terrorism.

As claimed by international organisations and Pakistan, India also promulgates extremism by propagating anti-state and anti-military narratives, thereby radicalising the masses. These illicit activities can be evident from the records released by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in September 2020. The records evince Indias probable involvement in financial assistance to terrorism.

Hence, such sponsored terror attacks that took thousands of innocents lives have grave consequences for victims’ families, friends and relatives. The unbearable losses make them infuriated and the situation breeds hate. Today, anti-state sentiments and hatred have been instigated amongst the victims families and the general masses who either accuse their own state for supporting proxies or reproach the government for not halting such dreadful activities. This is how hate is being inculcated inside some Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhis against the armed forces and the state.

In a similar vein, information has been weaponised by the Indian government to mislead and provoke the Pakistani populace in several ways. Indias untrue and fallacious information attempts to discredit and calumniate Pakistan was unearthed by the Eu Disinfo Lab report titled Indian Chronicles: Deep dive into a 15 years operations targeting the EU and the UN to serve Indian interest. The report explicitly stated that India is operating one of the largest fake media networks, with over 750 fake media outlets, disseminating false news to serve Indian interests. This network clearly aimed at targeting Pakistani interests in the EU and the UN.

Furthermore, most recently, a freelance Indian journalist Aveek Sen also uncovered the connivance between the former Indian military Intelligence (MI) officer Colonel Dibya Satpathy, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) troll farms, machinating information operations against Pakistan.

Similarly, synchronised state-sponsored cyberattacks several times hacked Pakistan-based websites, pertinent to federal and provincial government institutions. In August 2020, over 25 government departments websites were defaced by Indian-sponsored hackers.

In the coming days, the hybrid security threats to Pakistan may increase. It is imperative to mention that the US troops pull out from Afghanistan could embolden the Afghan Taliban and intensify instability in its neighbourhood. Hence, the influence of the Afghan Taliban in the areas adjacent to Afghanistan e.g. erstwhile FATA could increase, which may boost probabilities of strong connection with the Pakistani Taliban. The Indian Intelligence agencies could take benefit of this development to exacerbate Pakistans security and economic problems.

Experts believe the uncertainty in Afghanistan has provided TTP with a window of opportunity to attack Pakistan. Therefore, it could spell doom for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects also.

Additionally, the Pakistan Air forces (PAF) new airbase that is to be set up in Balochistan may invite Indian intelligence attacks as the Indian backing of the ethno-nationalist militants in Balochistan has not been eliminated yet. Pakistan should chalk out a strategy of prepare, deter, and defend accordingly.

The government of Pakistan should win the hearts and minds of those who live in backward and conflict-torn zones like FATA and Balochistan, providing them basic facilities and human rights for better livelihoods, so, these crisis-affected people would not go for illegitimate means to be in contradiction with the states writ. If the government does not resolutely uplift the socio-economic conditions of those areas, New Delhis slight exertions may grab peoples hearts and minds, and pave the way for psychological operations (PSYOPs) against Pakistan. Islamabad should take appropriate steps that strengthen democracy and the economy, which will be the most efficient way of building resilience against hybrid threats.

Sajad Ahmad

Sajjad Ahmad is working as a Communications Assistant at CSCR.

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MEDIA AS A WEAPON OF NARRATIVE BUILDING: A CASE OF FIFTH GENERATION WAR

• Awais H. Gillani, Junaid Nazir, Gulala Pirzada

Published 2021-12-10

Copyright Notice

In this new era, warfare techniques have changed as demand for the new modern world. This is an economic, political, and social connectivityoriented century where the media is the crucial instrument of hybrid warfare. The mindset, narrative, perception, and information are the primary weapons of hybrid war or media warfare. This war can destroy a country’s culture from the inside and disturb people’s beliefs and views; moreover, it can also impact a country’s economy with high intensity. People are expected to go rogue and become rebels against their state or nation. Usually, the reasons for this war are frustration, lack of authentic reason, and or absence of political objective or ideology to serve the country. This war has a huge impact on people’s minds and thinking for a long time. It separates people into groups and segments believing in different propaganda and fallacy. The research is a qualitative analysis of previously published relevant documents. The study concludes that media has played an immense role in building or shaping a narrative that one wants since media is among the powerful weapons used to converge or diverge people’s minds against one idea.

Fifth Generation Warfare/Hybrid Warfare

The post is about “Essay on fifth generation warfare in Pakistan. Hybrid Warfare in Pakistan. Hybrid warfare and challenges for Pakistan. Fifth generation warfare.”

Introduction

Defining war generations

• First generation (Treaty of Westphalia 1648 after thirty years war based on nation states sovereignty which means states can hold and organize military, waged wars through straightforward and orderly means, waged war in line and column of armed soldiers).
• Second generation (more focus on the use of technology, smaller units for maneuvering and holding lines in battlefield).
• Third generation (German invasion of France, speed and maneuverability, overcoming technological disadvantages through clever strategy, industrial age armies over land).
• Fourth generation (blurring lines between war and politics and combatants and civilians, in other words one of the major war participants is violent non state actor).
• Fifth generation (no exact definition, use of social media and youth against its own country and leaders, war of non-state actors with state without clear political objectives, emanate due to frustration, won’t feature armies and clear idea, U.S. Army Major Shannon Beebe, the top intelligence officer for Africa, calls a “vortex of violence,” a free-for-all of surprise destruction motivated more by frustration than by any coherent plans for the future).

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Genesis of fifth generation war

• Poverty and unemployment.
• Economic deprivation (As per UNHDP Report 1.8% of global population own 86% of global wealth).
• Political injustice.
• State oppression.
• Misuse of public’s spiritual sentiments.
• Poor governance.

Students Forum

Counter strategy

• Identify them.
• Address social, political and economic injustice.
• Zero tolerance for religious exploitation of people.
• Revive national spirit.
• Insure cyber security.
• Strict media management

The Emerging Threat Of Biological Warfare in 21st Century

Fifth Generation Warfare And Pakistan

DG ISPR Maj Gen AsifGhafoor saying “We must prepare ourselves for the 5th generation warfare being imposed on us by the enemy. All Pakistani media outlets including social media need to be aware of this threat and act accordingly.”

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Home → Articles → 5th Generation Warfare in Pakistan: Internal and External Hands

Written by Muhammad Hamza Tanvir • June 10, 2021 • 12:01 pm • Articles , Current Affairs , Pakistan , Published Content

5th Generation Warfare in Pakistan: Internal and External Hands

Mr Muhammad Hamza Tanvir is an independent journalist and a political analyst, focusing primarily on regional and global strategic and political issues. He has authored numerous articles for different national and international publications.

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5th Generation Warfare

Even before 5th generation warfare, Pakistan had inherited India as an arch-rival since its inception. The country faced its first war on the issue of Kashmir less than a year after its independence. The Kashmir issue with India and an irredentist claim of Afghanistan in the northwest area of the country, with instability in the latter, has critically jeopardized the sovereignty of the country.

On the contrary, Pakistan’s geographical position is an area of interest to the two incumbent superpowers of the world, China and the United States. These problems collaboratively threaten the security and sovereignty of the country due to which it faces multiple internal and external threats.

This has been long foreseen by the famous philosopher Barry Buzan in his article – Conceptualization of Security in 21 st century – outlining that the concept of security will multiply in this century instead of being eliminated. The military and intelligence agencies of the country have diligently rendered the plans of rivals futile for the past 72 years.

Moreover, the advancement in technology has molded the contours of war in the current era. The current mode of warfare has now shifted to that of 5th generation warfare. As per the Postmodernism theory of International Relations, media plays an important role in creating a perception among people and is used as a tool of warfare.

In the 21 st century, the role of media, especially social media, has become crucial in fighting the enemy – both internal and external – attacking the state from multiple fronts. It has become a perturbing situation that a major faction of the country’s youth is falling prey to the false and anti-state propaganda that is being constructed.

The recent instances of a few journalists blaming state agencies and security institutions for the attack on Asad Toor depict the manipulation of these media personnel – intentionally or unintentionally – by anti-state actors. These forces aim to tarnish the image of the state agencies and instigate a statement of hatred towards the saviors.

It has become a trend in Pakistan to blame the state agencies for all difficult situations arising in the country. An increasing number of Pakistan’s youth population is also becoming victims of these hybrid wars. Social media and the entertainment industry are popular mediums for the transmission of misleading and misinforming narratives regarding the state.

The Pakistani population glorifies Hollywood and Bollywood movies depicting CIA operations yet their perspective on their country’s intelligence service remains severely critical. It must be noted that a country’s military without its people’s support is powerless against the enemy; it is the only pillar standing between both.  

What is Hybrid War?

Sun Tzu said, in his famous book ‘ The Art of War ’, stated: “A war is won even before it is ever fought”. The term hybrid warfare had not been coined by that era. However, in its essence, the phenomenon had begun to emerge. The quote has become more relevant today as it traces the world’s paradigm shift from conventional warfare to hybrid warfare.

The term was initially expanded by Frank Hoffman, Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities at Quantico and Lt Gen James Mattis , the then Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, in 2015.

They described the term as an amalgamation of political, conventional, irregular, and cyber warfare; it involves tools of fake news and economic coercion, utilizing methods such as constructing narratives through information technology and media, supporting proxy militia, foreign electoral intervention, lawfare, and diplomacy.

It further refers to the multi-pronged warfighting approach which aims to disrupt and disable the adversary’s actions without any form of confrontation. Conventional methods of warfare are rendered incompatible and obsolete in the 21 st century.

Today, the conventional military force is used along with irregular and cyber warfare tactics to initially enfeeble the enemy internally, and then defeat him. In the modern era, owing to the high cost of conventional warfare and nuclear proliferation, most countries wage hybrid warfare to destabilize and disintegrate their rivals.

External Hybrid Threats to Pakistan

Indian 5th generation warfare activities against pakistan.

India has aimed to be a hegemonic nation since its creation; it does not accept the existence of Pakistan and wishes to dominate it. The status of both countries as nuclear powers has changed the perception of war between the two. This is attributed to the phenomenon of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD).

Since then, India continues to wage 5th generation warfare against Pakistan by increasing funding and training to insurgent militia present inside the country. It is also politicizing international bodies like FATF; it has been claimed by many that India and its Western allies are behind the greylisting of Pakistan in FATF.

Recently, the EU DisinfoLab has unearthed that a vast Indian network is involved aggressively in promoting disinformation about Pakistan. India has created a network of NGOs, think tanks, and fake media outlets to influence the EU Parliament against Pakistan by creating a pro-Indian perception and depicting India as a victim.

India was using 750 fake media outlets to achieve its interests not only against Pakistan but also against China. Kalbushan Yadav , the Indian spy arrested from Balochistan, has openly admitted to being on a mission to support an anti-state militia. India is also allegedly believed to sponsor terrorism from Afghanistan in Pakistan .

This is undeniable proof of India’s hybrid war against Pakistan. The main rationale for waging such a war is to enfeeble Pakistan’s economic and political stability; there is a particular focus upon damaging the CPEC project at the behest of its patrons. India’s 5th generation warfare not only harms Pakistan but also jeopardizes the security and stability of South Asia.

The US’s Hybrid Warfare Against Pakistan

The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has been a roller coaster ride. Currently, the inclination of Pakistan towards China – along with some other issues between Pakistan and the US – has created a paradigm shift in the relationship of both countries. The US is currently at daggers drawn with Pakistan.

The flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative – CPEC – poses a critical threat to the US. The latter has tried its best to influence Pakistan’s ties with China but after the successful alliance of both countries, the US has started 5th generation warfare against Pakistan at different forums in collaboration with the Indian state.

In 2019, a top Chinese Official stated that China would not allow the politicization of FATF and had made that clear to both the US and India. This statement of Chinese officials delineates how the US is trying to torment Pakistan internationally because of the latter’s relations with China. This is not the first time that the US is involved in such games against Pakistan.

It has also pressurized Pakistan in 2018 by warning IMF against granting a bailout package to Pakistan. The US has also been involved in maligning Pakistan at the international level by accusing it of supporting the Afghan Taliban.

Israel as a Hybrid Threat to Pakistan

The emotional attachment of Pakistani people with their Palestinian brothers is well known. Pakistan is amongst the few countries which have not accepted Israel as a state and oppose it openly at every international forum.

With the religious fervor of its people and holding the status as the sole nuclear power of the Muslim world, Pakistan renders a potential threat to Israel. Although the latter has never been involved overtly in any activity against Pakistan, it is alleged to have conspired with India to attack Pakistan in the past.

Western Media and NGOs

The anti-Pakistan campaigns of Western media are no secret. The propaganda fueled by BBC and other Western media outlets on the recent accusations of Hamid Mir against the state institutions for involvement in the Asad Toor case portrays the hidden political activism against Pakistan’s security agencies.

In 2015, several International NGOs were banned from operating in the country due to engagement in anti-state activities. The suspicion rose to its apex when Save the Children INGO was found involved in anti-state activities in collaboration with the CIA.

After this incident, the security agencies dealt with such NGOs with an iron hand; they are still cracking down against those involved in such acts. The enemies of Pakistan are using them in their hybrid war to achieve their national interests.

Internal Factors Involved in Hybrid War

Political fault lines.

It is disappointing to state that many Pakistani politicians have sacrificed the national good for their gains. Throughout history, many politicians have made claims which have jeopardized the security of the country. The recent statements of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against the security agencies of the state are one such example.

Such statements by a leader of one of the major political parties in the country sow the seed of hatred among its followers against the security establishment of the country. Another example is the Memogate scandal . Christophe Jaffrelot mentions in his book, Pakistan at the Crossroads , that Pakistan People Party’s government sought help from the US to avert a military coup in the wake of Osama Bin Laden’s killing.

In return, the Zardari government promised to establish a “US-friendly” national security team, abolish the ISI’s external operations or “S” wing, and put the nuclear system of the country under international safeguard. Similarly, the infamous Dawn Leaks scandal is also a substantiation of the political fault lines of the country.

These events reveal how the senior politicians of the country – intentionally or unintentionally – contribute to the 5th generation warfare against Pakistan to achieve personal motives.

Unprofessional Journalism and Social Media

Journalists and media have achieved unprecedented powers and freedom since General Musharraf’s era. Unfortunately, many in media have been found playing in the hands of the rivals of the state. In Pakistan, the anti-establishment narrative is strongly praised and is seen as a way to become famous internationally.

Recently, some journalists have blamed security agencies of the state for attacking Asad Toor. International media has highlighted these allegations and used them to malign the image of the country and its security agencies. This anti-state rhetoric has become rife in the country and jeopardizes the sovereignty of the state as it shapes the perceptions of the masses.  

It has been revealed by the state that many fake accounts have been found operating from other countries which were involved in anti-Pakistan activities and were trying to construct anti-state perception among the youth.

Social media and unethical journalism have instilled anti-state and anti-military views in Pakistan’s youth. Many inside the country believe that some journalists are deliberately involved in such activities at the behest of India, the US, and Israel

Sectarianism

Pakistan comprises a multipolar society not only in terms of religions but also in terms of the various sects. The country has faced the direct impacts of the Saudi-Iran rift, but the security agencies of the state have been successful till now in mediating matters.

Sectarianism has been the primary cause of divide in the Muslim society. Saudi Arabia and Iran have allegedly used their relevant sects to fight proxy wars in Pakistan. Thus, the sectarian divide in the country can also be understood as a potential hybrid threat to the sovereignty of the country.

Non-State Actors

Being a neighbor of the unstable state of Afghanistan, Pakistan is a hotspot for non-state actors. Terrorist groups like Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar e Taiba, Al-Qaida, etcetera are major non-state actors. These non-state actors/terrorists have been used many times by India and Israel to weaken the Pakistani state.

They have been involved in killing masses through suicide bombings in mosques, schools, and markets sometimes based on religion and other times on ethnicity. Pakistan’s security agencies have been victorious in curbing these organizations. However, their lingering traces remain dangerous for the country and can be used by adversaries to harm Pakistan.

The geostrategic position of Pakistan and its status as the sole nuclear power of the Muslim world have exposed the country to multiple internal and external threats. Technology innovation has rendered the old methods of warfare obsolete and the world has shifted to 5th generation warfare.

Pakistan’s enemies – internal and external – have long collaborated to weaken the state yet have remained unsuccessful due to the efforts of the nation’s security agencies. Electronic and social media are being used by external foes to malign Pakistan and create an anti-military narrative amongst the country’s populace.

The state agencies are working hard to deter the attacks from multiple fronts yet the love and support of the people of the country are crucial elements for success against the enemy. Pakistan’s people – especially the youth – must realize that they are being exploited by the rivals of the state to harm the integrity and sovereignty of the state.

Hence, they must question and reject anti-state notions and stand with their nation. Accordingly, the state institutions and judiciary must take serious steps to stop the spread of anti-state narratives by famous journalists of the country.

If you want to submit your articles and/or research papers, please check the  Submissions  page.

The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift .

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