By Muhammad Bilal Iftikhar Khan
Psychological warfare, also known as
psywar or influence operations, has been a significant aspect of warfare
throughout history. Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist and author
of "The Art of War," stressed the significance of psychological
tactics in attaining victory. He emphasized the need for deception,
misdirection, and psychological manipulation in undermining the enemy's morale
and determination before engaging in confrontation. Sun Tzu's theories
emphasize the strategic benefit of recognizing and exploiting opponents'
psychological weaknesses.
Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian officer and military
strategist, saw psychological aspects as essential to the conduct of war. His
idea of the "fog of war" encompasses the uncertainty, turmoil, and
psychological stress that soldiers and leaders face during conflict. Clausewitz
realized that winning battles frequently necessitated not just physical power,
but also the successful application of psychological tactics to demoralize the
opponent and disrupt decision-making processes.
Liddell Hart, a British military
strategist and historian, underlined the significance of indirect tactics and
psychological warfare in modern combat. He pushed for methods that attacked the
enemy's morale, fighting spirit, and popular support. Liddell Hart thought that
by influencing the enemy's thinking and perception, strategic advantages may be
gained without resorting to sheer force or confrontation.
Psychological warfare tries to undermine the enemy's morale, determination, and
fighting spirit. By distributing propaganda, disinformation, and demoralizing
messages, psywar may instill doubt, fear, and dissension among enemy troops,
reducing their efficacy and willingness to fight.
In modern battles, popular support
and perception are important factors. Psychological warfare targets civilian
populations as well as enemy fighters, to sway public opinion in favor of one's
cause while undermining support for the opponent. This can have an influence on
internal and international political dynamics, including alliances, resources,
and ultimate strategic results.
Psywar may undermine adversary command and control
systems by disseminating misinformation, causing uncertainty, and destroying
confidence between leadership and troops. This can limit the enemy's capacity
to efficiently coordinate operations and make informed judgments, giving
opposing troops a strategic edge.
Psychological warfare can set up situations that encourage enemy
forces to surrender or negotiate. By providing incentives, emphasizing the
futility of further resistance, or creating circumstances that make surrender
more desirable than ongoing struggle, psywar can assist in speeding up conflict
resolution and lowering the human and material costs of war.
The prospect of psychological
warfare can dissuade potential foes. Knowing that an opponent is capable and
ready to engage in psywar might impact decision-making and behavior, perhaps
averting conflicts or discouraging violence in the first place.
Understanding the cultural,
sociological, and psychological aspects that influence the enemy's worldview
enables psywar practitioners to customize their messages and tactics for
optimal effect. Exploiting weaknesses such as religious convictions, national
identity, and historical grievances can make psychological operations more
successful in meeting strategic objectives.
Psychological warfare is essential because it
complements traditional military tactics and plans by focusing on the
psychological aspects of combat, creating perceptions, affecting behavior, and
eventually contributing to the attainment of military and political objectives.
The night of 12-13 April was a stressful
night in the Middle East. Leaked Iranian intelligence showed that Iran intended
to strike Israel in retaliation that night. US and Israeli allies were so
certain that US President Joe Biden had to issue a statement saying that Iran
should not strike Israel and that the US
is committed to safeguarding Israel.
The
escalation began when Lebanon's Hizbollah launched a barrage of rockets and
drones toward northern Israel. Footage of Israel's Iron Doom air defense system
attempting to intercept missiles became viral on social media, especially on X,
the old Twitter.
.jpg)
Leaked intelligence and Hizbollah's barrage of missiles created the impression that the operation was designed to overpower and evict Israeli air defenses. Then news circulated on social media that Iran had identified a path via which it intended to strike Israel. Meanwhile, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey stated that they would not allow the United States or anybody else to strike Iran from their land.
In Israel, psychological tensions were rising, and there was agreement that Iran would strike. According to an Israeli insider, if Iran attacks, Israel may use an atomic weapon in response.
For the first time, the US government appeared concerned. Russia, on the other hand, deemed it the best time to test their new ICBM, which has a speed of 27000 km/h.
The night passed and nothing happened.
Iran’s Psychological maneuvers outclassed Israelis and the US, revealing
limitations and exposing weaknesses. Nuclear threat exposed the fear and mental
fatigue. And US president’s statement exposed that the US is worried and Global
Politics has changed and the US is realizing it.
Iran's psychological move
during the night of 12-13 April demonstrated the power of psychological warfare
in modern battles. Leaked data indicating Iran's plan to strike Israel
heightened tensions, prompting US and Israeli partners to move quickly to avoid
a dangerous escalation. Iran generated the illusion of overwhelming might and
strategic advantage by leaking intelligence, Hizbollah's missile
bombardment, and strategic messaging on social media, producing psychological
stress and terror among Israeli and US authorities. Even though no physical
assault took place, Iran's psychological tactics exposed weaknesses, instilled
anxiety and mental exhaustion, and highlighted evolving dynamics in global
politics.