ДОПРИНОС КУЛТУРНЕ АНТРОПОЛОГИЈЕ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЈИ, ПРЕВЕНЦИЈИ И РАЗУМЕВАЊУ ХИБРИДНИХ ПРЕТЊИ У ДРУШТВЕНОЈ И ИНФОРМАЦИОНОЈ СФЕРИ
THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY TO THE IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION AND UNDERSTANDING OF HYBRID THREATS IN SOCIAL AND INFORMATION SPHERE

Author(s): Igor Vujčić
Subject(s): Anthropology, Security and defense, Hybrid Warfare
Published by: Institut za strategijska istraživanja
Keywords: hybrid threats; anthropology; political warfare; psychological operations; information campaigns
Summary/Abstract: Information campaigns and the usage of non-military means based on indirect communication, propaganda and subversive activities in order to secure strategic interests are important factors of hybrid warfare. By designating these activities as “psychological operations”, we are risking to disregard the fact that they are focused on specific cultural contexts and specific social groups, as well as that they rely on manipulation and usage of cultural categories that already exist in the attacked society. By applying theoretical and methodological frameworks and concepts developed in the field of socio-cultural anthropology to the analysis of this kind of hybrid threats, we can explore the direct connection between hostile activities and meanings, ideas, values, motivations and cultural identities to which they are directed. Viewed from this perspective, the goal of psychological operations is to impose constructed framework for interpretation of social reality onto the civilian population, or some part of it and in that way, politically mobilize them, either overtly or covertly. By relying on insights from semiotic sub-disciplines of anthropology, we can identify the most vulnerable social groups and meaning systems which can become the focus of hostile activities. At the same time, we can discover the integral channels and forms that enemy relies on in order to communicate their ideas to the population. In this way, the application of anthropological insights can lead to the early identification and prevention of hybrid threats, increasing the possibility of an adequate response and reduction of the risks.

• Details
• Contents