Hybrid and Cognitive Warfare: The New Frontiers of Conflict

Over the past two decades, the idea that war is no longer confined to traditional battlefields but extends into broader and less visible domains has steadily taken root. This shift marks the transition from a model where conflict was defined by clear borders and conventional tools to one in which almost anything can become a site of confrontation. The concept of hybrid warfare stems from this evolution: a blend of military force, irregular operations, economic instruments, and disinformation campaigns. Alongside it emerges the cognitive dimension, which is no longer about controlling territory but about shaping perceptions, influencing public opinion, and steering decision-making processes. War, in this sense, does not merely destroy or conquer—it seeks to direct the minds of citizens and elites alike.