The Russian Doctrine of Information Confrontation (ICD) has become a central element of Kremlin’s strategy. Poland finds itself at the heart of these operations, which include propaganda, cyberattacks, disinformation, and influence campaigns designed to destabilise society and undermine state institutions.
A particularly insightful article by Adam Jawor, “CyberMagazyn: Russian Doctrine of Information Confrontation — A Strategic Battlefield,” published on the CyberDefence24 portal, explores how Russia uses the information domain as a strategic battleground. Through propaganda, cyber attacks, influence campaigns and disinformation, it seeks to destabilise Western societies and weaken the cohesion of NATO and the European Union.
The ICD has evolved alongside the modernisation of the Russian armed forces and foreign policy instruments, treating information as a strategic resource that can be used to achieve political and military objectives without formally provoking open conflict.
In Poland’s case, the ICD manifests itself in efforts to undermine public trust in state institutions, intensify social polarisation and spread disinformation concerning defence policy, including issues related to NATO’s presence and support for Ukraine. Jawor notes that Poland’s position as both a NATO and EU member, and its proximity to Russia and Ukraine, makes it one of the main targets of such operations.
Within the NATO context, Russia’s ICD is used to question the credibility of allied commitments, emphasise the alleged inconsistency and weakness of the alliance, and reinforce internal divisions. In Poland, the effects of the ICD include rising social polarisation, declining trust in public institutions, and campaigns targeting public opinion related to national defence policy.
Threats to Poland
As a frontline state and a member of both NATO and the EU, Poland is at the centre of Russian propaganda and information operations. The ICD includes:
- Undermining trust in national and allied institutions;
- Strengthening social polarisation and spreading disinformation on security issues and support for Ukraine;
- Conducting social media campaigns, including the use of deepfakes and fake video materials;
- Attempting destabilisation through cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
These activities are designed to weaken Poland’s social and political cohesion, making the country more susceptible to external influences.
In summary, the Russian Doctrine of Information Confrontation poses a real and growing threat to the security of Poland and the stability of the region. Russia’s information operations are complex and multi-layered, involving cyberspace, state controlled media, and intermediary networks, requiring a coordinated and coordinated response from Poland, the European Union, and NATO. Integrated defence measures, together with educational and awareness initiatives, are essential to mitigating the effects of the ICD, preserving social cohesion, and strengthening the resilience of national institutions.
Full text: #CyberMagazyn: Rosyjska doktryna konfrontacji informacyjnej. Strategiczne pole walki [ANALIZA]
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