The Defence Horizon Journal - Podcasts

Critical communication faces new challenges in terms of cybersecurity in the future. Lessons from Ukraine need to be understood and incorporated to better prepare modern societies. The rapid advancement of technology provides new solutions but also introduces more challenges. Being able to upgrade or adapt old systems to new technology rather than replace them entirely is more important than ever. Concepts such as physical and digital resilience, as well as dual-use systems and artificial intelligence, play a key role in developing solutions to future challenges. Cooperation between different actors and sectors of society is pivotal. »» TDHJ «« » patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon » donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation »» HOME «« » https://tdhj.org/ »» SOCIAL MEDIA «« » X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence » Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org » Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/ » LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Given the relevance, evolution, and proliferation of cognitive warfare in the modern age, it is necessary to delve deeper into the concept to gain an empirical understanding that can inform future policies and practices. Accordingly, a systematic literature review was carried out to define the concept in relation to six key aspects, namely its demarcation from adjacent fields, the actors involved, the targets of cognitive attacks, as well as the significance of cyberspace, the lawfulness, and the role of intent. Additionally, these aspects were analysed through the lenses of the two main schools of thought currently dominating cognitive warfare–namely a minimalist and maximalist approach. Even though both perspectives add valuable aspects to the conceptualisation of cognitive warfare, the maximalist interpretation is preferable due to its ability to reflect more accurately the current scope and understanding of what cognitive warfare entails. »» TDHJ «« » patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon » donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation »» HOME «« » https://tdhj.org/ »» SOCIAL MEDIA «« » X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence » Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org » Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/ » LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

This essay examines Germany's lack of strategic culture and its implications for deterrence and security policy. Written in the aftermath of the MSC 2025 and the context of growing geopolitical instability, it highlights how Europe’s reliance on the United States, combined with a weak defence mindset, undermines the ability to deter adversaries. The analysis compares Germany’s approach to security with that of France, the UK and smaller European states, demonstrating how strategic autonomy, societal resilience and military readiness contribute to credible deterrence. Additionally, it emphasises the need for a more proactive and engaged public discourse on security matters. »» TDHJ «« » patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon » donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation »» HOME «« » https://tdhj.org/ »» SOCIAL MEDIA «« » X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence » Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org » Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/ » LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the offence–defence balance in cyberspace. Drawing on recent cases (PromptLock ransomware, Auto-Exploit pipelines, and the Air Force’s DASH wargame) and a systematic review of academic articles, this study examines how AI alters tempo, cost, and thresholds in cyberspace operations. Findings show that AI accelerates offensive exploitation, enables polymorphism, and lowers expertise requirements, while defence depends on machine-speed decision support constrained by institutional readiness. The short-term tilt favours offence, yet policy-aware autonomy and resilient governance can restore partial parity. AI functions as a structural force influencing the trajectory of state competition in cyberspace. »» TDHJ «« » patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon » donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation »» HOME «« » https://tdhj.org/ »» SOCIAL MEDIA «« » X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence » Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org » Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/ » LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal