INFORMATION BATTLESPACES: NEW MEDIA’S ESCALATING INFLUENCE ON MODERN WARS

Abstract

Today, new media is more than a communications tool and has become a weapon that has changed the nature of information warfare. Various encrypted messaging services, social media platforms, and digital media outlets have become powerful instruments for state and non-state actors to set the narrative, influence global perception, and spread propaganda. As the new media does not undergo frequent editorial scrutiny like traditional media, the dissemination of real-time information further plays a crucial role in escalating problems like spreading misinformation, radicalization, and conflicts. For example, digital warfare played a key role in the Russia-Ukraine war. Social media was used to spread propaganda, international support, and guide military strategies. They both used narratives using platforms like Telegram and Twitter also deep-fake and AI-generated videos further increased the tensions between the two countries. Even during the Israel-Palestine war, public opinions were shaped worldwide by making viral images and videos, and similarly, during the Syrian civil war, extremist groups like ISIS raised funds and recruited through social media platforms. Hence shaping the global opinion through social media platforms by creating fear from graphic content became quite easy. In the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict or the Rohingya, crisis in Myanmar misinformation on Facebook became the main cause of ethnic violence. Similarly, in the India-China border clash or the U.S. Capitol riot, the new media has become a powerful information tool everywhere.

The engagement of countries like China, America, and Iran-Israel in cyber conflicts has challenged the infrastructure and the country’s security. Even terrorist organization groups have used encrypted data platforms to bypass traditional surveillance systems. While modern media has become a means to access real-time information, it has the potential to instigate disinformation, polarize societies, and escalate digital warfare. Hence address these issues through stronger regulations, media literacy initiatives, and international cooperation. The topic is the need for time to address the concerns regarding new media and its impact on contemporary war and peace worldwide.