WEEK 12 – SECURITY IN THE ERA OF DEMOCRATIC UPHEAVAL

What is the Gerasimov Doctrine?

A Russian approach blending military, cyber, economic, and information tactics.

What is democratic upheaval?

Growing distrust in democratic institutions, governments, and shared truths.

What is Bauman's concept of liquid modernity?

A society characterised by uncertainty, flexibility, and weakening traditional institutions.

What is reflexive modernity?

A society increasingly aware of and questioning its own structures and risks.

Why is returning to "solid modernity" not considered a solution?

Because modern societies are too diverse and complex for rigid structures.

How can political systems adapt to democratic upheaval?

By expanding participation, representation, accountability, and inclusion.

How can declining trust affect security?

It can weaken social cohesion and increase vulnerability to manipulation.

What is fifth-generation warfare?

Conflict focused on influencing perceptions, information, and decision-making rather than conventional military force.

How does fifth-generation warfare undermine democracy?

Through misinformation, disinformation, cyberattacks, propaganda, and manipulation of public opinion.

What is cyber warfare?

The use of digital attacks to disrupt, damage, or influence targets.

What is information warfare?

The use of information to influence beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour.

What is cognitive warfare?

Attempts to influence how people think and make decisions.

What are grey-zone tactics?

Actions below the threshold of conventional war used to achieve strategic objectives.

What is Russia's concept of non-linear warfare?

A strategy combining military and non-military methods to create instability.

What is reflexive control?

A strategy that manipulates an opponent into making decisions favourable to the initiator.

What is China's concept of intelligentised warfare?

AI-driven warfare focused on information dominance and decision-making superiority.

What are multi-domain operations?

Military operations integrating land, sea, air, space, and cyber capabilities.

How can misinformation threaten democracy?

By reducing trust in institutions and distorting public understanding.

What example did your lecturer give of fifth-generation warfare affecting democracy?

Russian disinformation campaigns and cyber operations influencing public opinion and political processes.

How would you answer "How can fifth-generation warfare undermine democracy?" in the interview?

Define fifth-generation warfare, explain how misinformation, cyberattacks, propaganda, and cognitive warfare weaken trust and influence decision-making, then provide examples such as Russian information warfare, China's intelligentised warfare, and modern cyber operations.

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