COGNITIVE WARFARE: INFLUENCE, INFOTERRORISM, AND MANIPULATION
Congressional Briefing: Cognitive Warfare: Influence, Infoterrorism, and Manipulation in the Age of Hybrid Threats
September 30, 2025
10am - 12pm EDT | Doors open at 9:30am
Rayburn House Office Building, U.S. Capitol Complex
45 Independence Avenue Southwest Washington, DC 20515 United States
About this event
          In the era of hybrid threats, international security faces unprecedented challenges. This congressional briefing will provide an in-depth analysis of the activities of a transnational network targeting democratic institutions in the U.S. and Europe. We will break down the mechanisms by which this network covertly interferes in the countries' domestic affairs, destabilizes societies, and influences critical political decisions.
          
          The briefing, drawing on verified facts and real-world case studies, aims to raise awareness and develop effective countermeasures. Participants will gain practical tools to identify and neutralize these threats in their daily work.
        
Key Topics:
Manipulation of Public Perception
Tactics such as disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and reality distortion are used to spread false narratives.
Cognitive and Psychological Warfare
Remote radicalization, provoking societal division, and intensifying political polarization.
Concrete Instances of Subversive Activity
The network’s impact on domestic legislation in the context of the war in Ukraine, along with comparable cases in other countries.
Infiltration by Influence Agents
Efforts to pressure prosecutors and government bodies, illustrated by examples from Ukraine, Slovakia, and Russia.
Coordinating Violence
The network’s role in planning attacks against politicians and orchestrating mass incidents, including school shootings in the United States.
Practical Recommendations
Participants will receive actionable guidance on threat recognition, prevention, and mitigation. This includes strategies for monitoring the information environment, bolstering institutional resilience, and fostering interagency cooperation.
Target Audience
This Briefing is designed for national security professionals, researchers, policymakers, human rights advocates, and anyone committed to protecting democratic values amid hybrid conflicts. You are invited to join the open dialogue and exchange best practices.