Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Political Science, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bonab, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tehran East Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
Cognitive warfare constitutes one of the most sophisticated and multifaceted threats confronting contemporary states, fundamentally challenging national security across political, social, and informational domains. Countering this intricate phenomenon necessitates a precise understanding of the essential dimensions underpinning effective national security policymaking. This research was undertaken to identify and rigorously elucidate these critical dimensions. Methodologically, it adopts a thematic analysis approach, suitable for exploring complex phenomena. Empirical data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with thirteen experts in security studies, political science, and academia, and systematically analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings reveal five primary dimensions against cognitive warfare: systematic threat monitoring, legal-regulatory frameworks, institutional architecture, resilience-capacity building, and proactive deterrence with crisis evaluation. Each of these identified dimensions incorporates multiple specific components and strategic objectives, and together they form a comprehensive, integrated, and adaptive framework for robust and coherent national policymaking. Quantitative validation via CFA showed "cognitive resilience" with the highest loading (0.946), strongly underscoring its critical importance for societal security. Conversely, "institutional coordination" had a lower loading (0.895) but retained strong validity and remains indispensable. All dimensions showed meaningful links to the core policymaking construct, confirming their coherence. These five dimensions offer a cohesive and actionable framework, clearly indicating that success requires a genuinely multidimensional and synchronized approach spanning cognitive, legal, institutional, and operational levels. Ultimately, this research provides a holistic empirical model that paves the way for designing efficient national strategies, thereby empowering policymakers to proactively mitigate evolving cognitive threats.
Keywords
Contemporary Iranian Political and Media Studies