Irregular Warfare, Part Two: AI Approaches, Implications, and Proposed Recommendations

Authors

• James Giordano, Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
• Jocelyn Garcia

Files

Description

Part Two of "Irregular Warfare" looks at how artificial intelligence is transforming irregular warfare through AI-enabled, non-kinetic influence operations that target perception, trust, morale, and decision-making. State adversaries employ AI-driven cognitive and information operations below the threshold of kinetic conflict to shape strategic outcomes, exploit societal vulnerabilities, and challenge allied cohesion. This commentary also assesses the implications of AI-enabled irregular warfare for military readiness, cognitive resilience, operational planning, and strategic competition, and provides recommendations for how the Department of War can strengthen preparedness against emerging cognitive and information threats.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Irregular Warfare, Emerging Science and Technologies, Information Operations

Publication Date

5-12-2026

Keywords

artificial intelligence, AI-enabled irregular warfare, irregular warfare, cognitive warfare, information operations, non-kinetic warfare, influence operations, cognitive security, strategic competition, military readiness, adversarial AI, future warfare

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6505-4729

Recommended Citation

Giordano, James and Garcia, Jocelyn, "Irregular Warfare, Part Two: AI Approaches, Implications, and Proposed Recommendations" (2026). Strategic Insights. 60.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-insights/60