The phenomenon of network-centrism in conditions of modern cognitive opposition: on the example of the analysis of the Kherson case

The presented article discusses a new social phenomenon of network-centrism and its manifestations in the conditions of modern cognitive confrontation on the example of the analysis of the Kherson information space. This research topic is currently of particular relevance due to the introduction of new tools of network warfare in the physical, informational, cognitive and social spheres of life of individuals through the functioning of information impact centкes in post-conflict societies.

Network-centrism in terms of cognitive confrontation is understood as a completely new social and civilisational phenomenon. Network-centric operations are understood by the authors as a kind of postmodern analogue of colonisation and subjugation, carried out in new conditions, in new formats and using new communication technologies. The main feature of the strategy of network wars using network-centric mechanisms is to achieve a damaging effect in all spheres of society, including its civilisational foundations. At the same time, not the power mechanisms of influence are used, but a wide range of factors - from civilisational and informational to social and cognitive ones.

The analysis of network-centric operations is carried out through the prism of the classical concepts of network societies, the theory of "controlled chaos", as well as taking into account applied domestic ones - the doctrine of he USSR Marshal N.V. Ogarkov and foreign developments - the concept of network-centric wars by Vice Admiral of the US Navy A. Cebrowski, Pentagon researcher J. Garstka and Admiral J. Johnson.

The idea of the study was to analyse the network structures of the content units of the information field of the Kherson region, that form military, crisis and post-crisis discourses.

The results obtained by the authors indicate the presence of two information impact centres that use network-centric mechanisms of work in the cognitive field. In addition, the analysis of the work of network information centres showed that today the social media segment, primarily the Telegram segment, is a space for active network-centric influence on the mass consciousness of a conflict society, that creates an experimental platform for testing new tools of cognitive confrontation and forms an Internet audience, that is exposed to direct information impact and manifestations of network centrism in society.

network information war, network-centrism, Ukraine, Russia, Kherson region

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