Psychological Warfare: Call Out Adversaries' Designs

In the emerging security environment, psychological warfare has become a significant and cost-effective non-lethal method to influence the target segment that is not controlled by any universally accepted laws, rules, usages, and customs. What adds to it are the radical changes in the geopolitical and geo-economic environment, information and communication technology (ICT), which is not only the predominant driver of change in future conflicts, but it is a potent weapon of today and tomorrow. The paper aims to briefly study the historical perspective and application of psychological warfare (psywar) at all levels, including International, national, and military levels. With a brief look at different terms in vogue and the overall aim, it would also briefly analyse the psywar being waged by Pakistan and China against India at different levels and what should be India's actions to ensure an effective psywar policy and strategy. Note: The latest data used in the paper is until 30 September 2020