Quarterly Journal of Resistance Thought in the Discourse of the Islamic Revolution

Quarterly Journal of Resistance Thought in the Discourse of the Islamic Revolution

The use of psychological operations in asymmetric warfare

Author
Mohammad Hossein Eliasi
Assistant Professor, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This article explores the application of psychological operations in asymmetric warfare. Asymmetric warfare is defined as a type of conflict where one party uses unconventional tactics to target the weaknesses of a stronger opponent, aiming to influence their will and morale. Through historical examples such as Operation Desert Storm and the Vietnam War, the article demonstrates how psychological operations can impact public opinion, policymakers, and military forces. It also analyzes the vulnerabilities of American public opinion to factors like rising casualties, prolonged warfare, and security threats. Finally, effective tactics of psychological operations in asymmetric warfare are presented, including inducing guilt, instilling fear, hacking communication networks, and exposing propaganda lies.
Keywords
Asymmetric warfare
Psychological operations
Public opinion
Unconventional tactics
Influence on will
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  • Receive Date 26 September 2005
  • Revise Date 13 November 2005
  • Accept Date 01 December 2005
  • First Publish Date 20 February 2006
  • Publish Date 20 February 2006