5th-generation warfare: A form of warfare that combines traditional military combat with non-traditional methods, such as cyberattacks, propaganda, and psychological tactics.
Each of the following terms, listed in alphabetical order, has 1) a basic definition and 2) an example sentence showing how the term may be used in context.
5GW (noun): Abbreviation for 5th generation warfare. — The military is training its personnel in 5GW tactics.
5th-generation warfare (noun): A form of warfare that combines traditional military combat with non-traditional methods such as cyberattacks, propaganda and psychological tactics. Also called 5GW, hybrid warfare, unconventional warfare, unrestricted warfare. — Countries need to be prepared for 5th-generation warfare as it poses unique challenges.
asymmetric (adjective): Unequal power or tactics between opposing forces. — The battle was asymmetric, with guerrillas using hit-and-run tactics.
cyberwarfare (noun): The use of technology to disrupt an enemy’s information systems. — The nation strengthened its internet and database defenses against cyberwarfare.
decentralized (adjective): Operations conducted without a central command. — The resistance movement was decentralized, making it hard to pinpoint a leader.
disinformation (noun): Deliberately false information spread to deceive. — The agency warned about the spread of disinformation online.
hybrid warfare (noun): Combining conventional, irregular and cyber warfare. — Hybrid warfare is becoming more common in modern conflicts.
indirect (adjective): Not directly targeting the enemy’s military. — The campaign used indirect methods to weaken the opponent’s morale.
influence operations (noun): Tactics used to change people’s perceptions and decisions. — Influence operations can sway public opinion in subtle ways.
information warfare (noun): Manipulating information to achieve strategic objectives. — The country launched an information warfare campaign to discredit its adversaries.
kinetic (adjective): Relating to physical actions in warfare, such as bombings. — While cyber operations were ongoing, kinetic strikes were also employed.
lawfare (noun): The use of legal systems to tie down an opponent in courtroom battles. — The organization accused the government of engaging in lawfare to exhaust its finances.
media manipulation (noun): Influencing or controlling media to shape narratives. — There were allegations of media manipulation during the election.
non-state actors (noun): Entities that participate in actions but aren’t governments. — Non-state actors can play significant roles in regional 5GW conflicts.
propaganda (noun): Information, biased or misleading, used to promote a cause. — The regime used propaganda to maintain its grip on power.
psychological (adjective): Targeting the enemy’s mind and morale. — Psychological warfare can be more effective than physical combat.
psyops (plural noun): psychological tactics used by government agencies to influence the beliefs, emotions and behaviour of citizens or a foreign enemy. Short for “psychological operations”. — Even a military-grade psyops campaign failed to convince many people that the vaccines were either safe or effective.
soft power (noun): Influence achieved through attraction, not coercion or force. — The country’s cultural exports in film and entertainment increased its soft power globally.
state-controlled media (noun): mainstream newspapers and television that tend to publish only the government line. They may be owned or sponsored by government. — State-controlled media outlets like Russia’s RT also exist in the West. | …stories that had been posted in these various organs that we now call corporate media or state-controlled media like the Washington Post or New York Times.
state-backed (adjective): Supported or sponsored by a nation’s government. — The rebels were believed to be state-backed.
strategic narratives (noun): Stories nations tell to shape international relations. — Strategic narratives help frame a nation’s position on global issues.
subversion (noun): The act of undermining the power or authority of an established system. — There were fears of subversion from within the ranks.
terrorism (noun): The use of violence for political aims. — The government condemned acts of terrorism.
unconventional (adjective): Tactics that are not traditional or standard. — The army was not prepared for such unconventional strategies.
underground (adjective): Pertaining to hidden, secret operations. — The underground resistance was gaining strength.
virtual (adjective): Occurring online or in digital space. — Virtual attacks can cause real-world damage.
war by other means (phrase): Strategies employed outside of traditional warfare. — The general believed in victory through war by other means.
weaponized information (noun): Using information as a weapon to harm or deceive. — Weaponized information can be as potent as physical weapons.
