Perception shaping and cyber macht: Russia and Ukraine

This paper continues the process of laying the groundwork for a new comprehensive academic theory on Cyber Macht (Cyber Power). In this particular paper, the authors have conducted a case study that will focus on Perception Shaping with the thesis that truth and the internet have long been uncomfortable partners. Public opinion can often be easily shaped by tailoring information for specific groups and by not presenting or suppressing information not supportive of the desired public impression. The authors will use the conflict between the Ukraine and Russia in Eastern Europe in a case study to analyze how each side is attempting to use the media to their advantage in this conflict. While a war has not been officially declared (yet), sovereign territory has been invaded, personnel have been killed and is these researchers opinion that information operations (IO) is playing a huge role how this conflict is being conducted. This paper will analyze the efforts of various IO initiatives by both sides and attempt to determine the key factors of success