The Contest for Cognitive Space: Institute of International Relations Launches Experimental Cognitive Security Studies

The Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv has launched the Cognitive Security Studies, an experimental platform for research and the testing of applied communication technologies in wartime conditions. The initiative has been established within the Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Media Studies of the Centre for Expert and Analytical Research on Information and Security Policy and Strategic Communications.

The initiative aims to establish an experimental research base for the development of applied cognitive security technologies and to build an international, cross-sectoral consortium to strengthen the state’s strategic communications capabilities.

According to Professor Serhii Danylenko, “Our work centres on developing practical responses to the challenges of the contest for international cognitive space. To this end, we will examine decision-making under pressure, as well as defence and countermeasures in the context of cognitive confrontation”.

The Studies will bring together practitioners in international relations, strategic communications, public administration, defence and security, military technology companies, business, the media and civil society organisations, alongside researchers from the Institute of International Relations.

The Studies will explore the potential of cognitive geostrategy as an applied approach to analysing international discourse, information flows, network-based influence, and the formation of interpretations and decisions in conditions of information confrontation.

The project will be implemented in partnership with the Educational and Scientific Institute of Journalism.