The main battle space in the conflict between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States is not land, sea, air, space, or even cyberspace. It is the American economy. In this Second Cold War, the principal U.S. combatants do not fire weapons, sail ships, or fly aircraft; they run businesses. Although commonly referred to as the “Second Cold War,” it remains putative and is not officially recognized by the U.S. government.
United States industry and national security supply chains are vulnerable because they are reliant on adversaries for critical materials necessary for advanced technology and high-end weapons systems. However, the Department of Defense (DoD), American industry, and African partners can implement coordinated measures to reduce these deficiencies.
Cognitive Warfare can be functionally defined as “the activities conducted in synchronization with other instruments of power, to affect attitudes and behaviors by influencing, protecting, and/or disrupting individual and group cognitions to gain an advantage.” From the point of view of technique, we can say that “Cognitive Warfare is therefore the art of deceiving the brain or making it doubt what it thinks it knows.” Deception is no less than an attack on cognitive abilities. In discussions of Cognitive Warfare, emotions are often described as limitations to cognitive abilities that must be overcome.
This one-page quick reference consolidates foundational definitions and associated terms for irregular warfare, distilling their common themes—like influence, indirect approaches, and asymmetry—and listing key activities from information operations to civil-military engagement. It’s designed as a quick reference guide for our operational partners to align on the core concepts and terminology of irregular warfare. [ Download the IW Quick Reference (PDF […]
Call for Papers
Pursuant to its mandate to facilitate research on irregular warfare (IW) and strategic competition, and engage with U.S. and international universities, the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is pleased to invite proposals for the third annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area on September 24-25, 2025.
The IWC operates to transform the global, strategic mindset by coupling conventional combat power with robust IW methodologies to provide options in support of the nation’s warfighters, protecting the homeland, and deterring China. The IWC serves as the central mechanism for developing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) IW knowledge and advancing the department’s understanding of IW concepts and doctrine in collaboration with key allies and partners.
The Center has developed this selective colloquium aimed at building a strong cohort of 12-14 junior scholars working on IW-related projects and connecting them with senior scholars and practitioners in the field.
Presenters selected for participation in the colloquium will be placed in small groups with presenters from other academic institutions who share similar research interests and complementary capabilities. Attendees will be expected to give a brief presentation of their research—whether completed or in-progress—to serve as the basis for peer discussions and planning for further research.
This colloquium will focus on Defending the Homeland and Deterring China in the Indo Pacific. Themes of particular interest to the Center for this colloquium include deterrence; hybrid threats to the homeland; cyber operations; information and influence operations; proxy warfare; and sustainment in a contested environment as they relate to INDOPACOM and Homeland Defense. Nominees should propose topics that explore one or more of these themes and explain how their research may enhance the ability of the United States, its allies, and its partners, to address the challenges posed by irregular warfare.
Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty are invited to submit proposals. Participation is open to students and faculty from both U.S. and international colleges and universities.
Proposals should include a CV and a 200-word maximum abstract outlining the project and its contributions to the study of IW. Proposals received by May 22, 2025, will receive full consideration, with decisions to be announced in June.
Please email proposals for consideration to the below email address: publication@irregularwarfarecenter.org
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