Informational Control as a Mechanism of Global Governance, Modern Status, Methods and Key Actors

This article examines the phenomenon of information warfare as the most important tool of global governance in the modern international context. The author analyzes it as a cognitive form of warfare focused on controlling perception, destroying identity, and delegitimizing the enemy. The study analyzed anti-Russian information campaigns initiated by unfriendly Western states, which made it possible to identify methods and stages of cognitive impact, including the introduction of topics into the information agenda and the formation of collective oblivion. The theoretical basis of the research consists of constructivist approaches, as well as concepts developed by the Copenhagen School of Security, and the theory of the “Overton window” adapted to analyze the boundaries of public discourse. Special attention is paid to the study of reputational attacks, deepfakes, astroturfing and memetic weapons, which are modern tools of information influence. In addition, the article analyzes the activities of key international actors such as the United States, the EU, NATO and UNESCO in the field of strategic communications. Russian retaliatory measures are viewed through the prism of national information security doctrines and strategies. Based on the conducted research, the author suggests a typologization of information impacts used in the framework of media campaigns. In conclusion, information warfare can be considered a strategic resource for ensuring mental sovereignty and influencing geopolitical processes without the use of military force. Russia has taken preventive measures to stop the spread of harmful information from unfriendly countries, especially in relation to its operation.

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