In today’s world, where information is becoming a weapon and the information space is becoming a battlefield, understanding the mechanisms of influence and counter-influence is key to ensuring national security and stability. This publication focuses on one of the most effective and at the same time underestimated (or unknown to the general public) tools – reflective management.
Reflexive governance is a process in which one party to a conflict tries to influence the decisions and actions of the other party, encouraging it to make choices that further its own goals. In this publication, using the example of the Russian-Ukrainian war, we demonstrate how information and psychological operations based on reflexive control influence military actions, political decisions, and public opinion on both sides. Important attention is paid to the strategies and methods by which the enemy is trying to influence the decisions of the Ukrainian side, and the corresponding counteraction strategies of Ukraine.
A significant part of the publication is devoted to the analysis of modern information special operations, disinformation techniques, manipulation of public opinion, and the use of social media for reflexive management. It emphasizes the importance of media literacy, critical thinking and understanding of modern information warfare technologies as key elements of successful counteraction to hostile influences.
The doctrinal foundations of the Russian Federation’s actions are separately considered.
The material was prepared by a team of analysts and practitioners in the field of countering Russian destructive influences in the information space. Therefore, we provide a partially simplified understanding of the tools and their theoretical foundations.
Part 1. Fundamentals of reflective management
Reflective management is a complex process in which a participant in a conflict or interaction influences the decisions and actions of the opposing party, using an understanding of its motivations, goals, and capabilities to achieve its own interests. This approach is based on the ability to predict the opponent’s reaction to certain events or information and use this prediction to create a situation in which the opponent, even acting in accordance with his own interests, unknowingly contributes to the achievement of the first party’s goals.
The concept of reflexive management has its origins in ancient times, when strategies to influence the enemy or adversary were an integral part of military and political wisdom. However, a systematic understanding of these strategies and their formalization in the form of a clear theory occurred only in the twentieth century with the development of social sciences. The term “reflexive control” became widespread during the Cold War, when Soviet scholars were actively developing theoretical foundations for influencing enemy decision-making in complex international relations and conflicts.
The first mythological character to use reflexive control was the biblical Serpent, who forced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (apple). In general, the biblical Devil is the most effective specialist in reflexive control of people, encouraging them to do things that are harmful to them (to sin), but seem attractive and tempting.
Reflective management is based on the idea that you can influence the actions and decisions of the other party, encouraging them to act in accordance with their own interests rather than their own. This is achieved through a deep understanding of the psychology, motivations and possible reactions of the opponent, as well as through skillful manipulation of the information that reaches him.
In today’s context, reflexive management has found wide application in information warfare, cybersecurity, and political campaigns. In a globalized world where information spreads instantaneously, the ability to influence public opinion, political sentiment, and ultimately the course of history through reflective management opens up new strategic opportunities. At the same time, this poses new challenges for society related to the ethics of influence, protection of the information space, and ensuring resistance to manipulation.
The first part of the publication can be read in full at this link.
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