Prof. Nitin Agarwal was recently featured in an interview exploring the rise of cognitive warfare—a new frontier in global conflict where information, rather than ammunition, becomes the primary weapon.

In the interview, Prof. Agarwal explained how traditional “information operations” have evolved into strategic campaigns aimed at influencing public beliefs and behaviors through social media. These campaigns, often bolstered by AI-driven tools like bots and deepfakes, are no longer confined to military spaces—they’re waged in public domains, affecting civilian life and global perception.

“Cognitive warfare is not about hacking computers,” Prof. Agarwal stated. “It’s about hacking human minds.” Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO as a new warfighting domain, cognitive warfare exploits societal vulnerabilities through information operations and algorithmic manipulation.

Prof. Agarwal emphasized the critical need for community resilience, AI/media literacy, and public awareness to counter such threats. “At COSMOS, we develop AI-powered tools for detecting narrative manipulation, attributing information campaigns, and identifying vulnerable populations, i.e., fighting fire with fire” said Prof. Agarwal.

Prof. Agarwal described how COSMOS leverages interdisciplinary research to stay ahead of emerging threats. By blending social science, computer science, and behavioral analysis, the center builds robust models to understand and predict the spread of information campaigns. “We’re not just observing phenomena—we’re actively developing solutions,” he shared, highlighting COSMOS’ role in equipping communities and policymakers with actionable insights.

As a member of Arkansas’ AI Task Force, Prof. Agarwal continues to help shape policy around safe and ethical AI adoption. “AI reflects us more than it defines us,” he noted. “Its impact depends on the intent behind its use.” In addition to his research and policy efforts, Prof. Agarwal highlighted the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers and technologists. Through mentorship at COSMOS, he empowers students to engage with real-world challenges in cognitive security, AI ethics, and information integrity. “We believe in training students not just to use technology, but to question it, improve it, and ensure it serves the public good,” he said.

Please read the full interview at “This Month’s Q&A – Cognitive Warfare – Apprenticely.”