#134 Daniel (Plato) Morabito on a Comprehensive Theory of Information Warfare

The Cognitive Crucible

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.

During this episode, US Air Force LtCol Dan “Plato” Morabito discusses his theory of information warfare. Plato takes what may be considered a first principles approach by defining objectively information, knowledge, and problems with knowing. Then, he assembles a novel taxonomy of information warfare which combines trust, access, and cognition–all of which are required for knowledge creation. After discussing “problems of knowing,” he defines information warfare and a theory for victory.

Research Question: What is the role of the US Government to counter malign influence when the enemy is fighting for a strategic advantage directly with America's center of gravity, the American people, and can this be accomplished while preserving freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and other democratic principles?

Resources:

• How We Lost the Information War of 2028 (December 2021) by Dan “Plato” Morabito
• National Security and the Third-Road Threat: Toward a Comprehensive Theory of Information Warfare (Fall 2021) by Dan “Plato” Morabito
• Cyber Persistence Theory: Redefining National Security in Cyberspace by Emily Goldman, Michael Fischerkeller, and Richard Harknett
• Why America Loses Wars: Limited War and US Strategy from the Korean War to the Present by Donald Stoker

Link to full show notes and resources

https://information-professionals.org/episode/cognitive-crucible-episode-134

Guest Bio:

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Plato” Morabito, commander of the 834th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 67th Cyberspace Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, holds a master of science in leadership and information technology from Duquesne University, a master of science in cyberspace operations from the Air Force Institute of Technology, a master of military operational art and science from the USAF Air Command and Staff College, and a master of arts in military operations from the US Army Command and General Staff College.

About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain.

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