Cognitive Warfare: Halting the Russian Sphere of Influence

The U.S. government supports the consolidation of Georgia's democracy; its integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions; peaceful unification, secure in its borders; and further development of its free market economy. Russia threatens these efforts and Georgian sovereignty through gradual expansion of illegally occupied separatist zones (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) and nonconventional coercive tactics aimed at reversing Georgia's European and American foreign policy aspirations. This research paper will examine if cognitive coercive methods can successfully counter the Kremlin's efforts in the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by instilling Georgian loyalty and fostering a distrust for Russia's growing influence. First, the paper will examine the cultural background of each separatist region. Next, cognitive warfare will be defined, and various cognitive methods will be introduced. Three case studies will then be discussed to identify lessons learned. Finally, those lessons will be used to make conclusions on the viability of cognitive warfare methods in achieving a unified Georgia along with potential strategies and recommendations.