U.S. Quietly Elevates Cognitive Advantage as a Core National Security Tool
Washington, January 2026 — A senior national security official announced a major shift in how Washington pursues influence, arguing that cognitive advantage must sit at the heart of national power. The move reframes data and perception as a practical option for the President, not just a rhetorical tool.
The official heads a new focus on cognitive operations, insisting the traditional DIME framework—Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic—needs an “I” for Information. The aim is to deliver non-kinetic and non-economic levers that still advance U.S. objectives in a rapidly evolving information environment.
what cognitive advantage aims to change
Experts describe cognitive advantage as shaping how people think and act in real-world decisions. It combines cultural sensitivity, messaging strategy, and near real-time sensing of public sentiment to influence outcomes beyond battlefield moves.
Practically, the effort looks to understand why a rival acts the way they do—what value propositions, risks, and cultural factors drive choices—and then craft responses that steer behavior toward safer, more favorable results for U.S. objectives.
illustrative applications
In negotiations over land or airspace rights, the advantage may hinge on value beyond money or force. In counter-terrorism, steering an adversary toward locations easier to monitor or disrupt can increase chances for arrests or strikes while reducing risk.
From kill chains to kill webs
Officials describe a concept called the “kill web,” a layered view of how information travels from the physical world through digital and persona layers to the cognitive mind—and back again. Each layer offers opportunities to interdict or influence outcomes, from devices and networks to messaging and decision-making.
They emphasize that the information environment operates continuously. Unlike fixed military assets, an information carrier—essentially a 24/7 operation—must persist to shape perceptions and decisions over time.
Why rivals are racing ahead
State and non-state actors are pouring resources into gray-zone tactics, information operations, and cognitive influence. Observers note that China spends tens of billions of dollars annually in this space,with Russia and Iran investing billions. By comparison, U.S. funding across defense, diplomacy, and related agencies remains comparatively modest, underscoring calls to scale up information power capabilities.
Technology,data,and the role of industry
Advances in artificial intelligence promise new insights,but experts caution that insight is limited without fresh data from the real world. They warn against overreliance on modeling alone and urge collaboration with the private sector that preserves human oversight.
Looking ahead, observers expect teams armed with AI to operate around the clock, with humans supervising critical decisions and guiding engagements to keep them aligned with national interests.
Measuring impact in a fluid space
Measuring outcomes in cognitive operations remains challenging. The emphasis is shifting toward observable behavior changes in targeted audiences and scalable sensing networks that capture real effects, not just activities. Critics caution against relying on outputs alone and advocate for clear objectives and proper audience selection.
Table: Key contrasts at a glance
| Aspect | US approach | Rivals’ Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Reinforce DIME with an information option—an integrated, non-siloed approach | Heavy emphasis on gray-zone tactics, information operations, and cognitive influence |
| Operational Tempo | Developing a permanent information-carrier capability to operate continuously | Constant push across online ecosystems and messaging channels |
| Allocation (estimates) | Approximately $1.2 billion across DoD, State, and related offices | China: $48B+ per year; iran: about $1.8B; Russia: about $2.6B |
| Measurement Focus | Behavior change and scalable sensing | Influence dynamics and messaging effectiveness |
Private-sector collaboration and the road ahead
Experts stress that AI will transform both the public and private sectors, but success depends on securing quality data and maintaining human oversight. The goal is to augment workers with AI tools while ensuring real-world sensing keeps strategies grounded in actual conditions.
What this means for citizens
As cognitive tools grow more capable, the risk of misuse rises. analysts urge transparency, robust oversight, and ongoing public dialog to balance security with civil liberties in a connected age.
Two questions for readers
How should governments balance rapid information operations with the right to free expression in a democratic society?
What safeguards are essential to ensure cognitive instruments do not undermine trust in media or public institutions?
Further reading
For broader context on gray-zone strategy and cognitive security, see think-tank and international analyses from leading policy institutes. External resources offer deeper dives into the evolving landscape of psychological and information operations.
Share yoru thoughts in the comments below to help shape the discussion on this pivotal national-security frontier.
