It is crucial to point out that contemporary warfare is significantly different from the warfare of the previous centuries, with the shift occurring in the 21st century alone. Kinetic methods as were used in the past are no longer effective where the use of force and level of weaponry dominated to solve conflicts. It may be perceived that the modern wars are not fought on the physical level but on the mental and emotional level of people. This is the era of non-kinetic warfare (NKW) and such tactics as cyber warfare, info warfare, and psychological warfare.
In the context of this new warfare, the youth of Asian states are vulnerable most of the time. It is imperative to note that they are part of that generation that has grown up in the digital era, and they are always online in one way or another, whether on social networks or other online platforms. There is no denying that such platforms create unprecedented chances for communication and education and therefore are potential breeding grounds for the NKW agents.
Concern has been raised on the effects of NKW on youths of Asian states. Thus, the potential of NKW for the formation of the future of these nations, as the generation’s consciousness is formed by the stories they read and actions determined by ideologies they choose, is immense. The purpose of this article is to discuss NKW as well as elaborate how the youth of Asian states are experiencing this form of warfare that has led to a new kind of face for war. The youth of Asian states are dealing with the appearance of the new and more dangerous kind of war, which is much more covert and manipulative than the conventional kinetic wars. Hybrid warfare, developing into cyberwar, informational war, and the wielding of mind influence, has turned into one of the effective soft weapons through which states shape the minds and actions of the youth.
Innocent souls, as youths possess curiosity and flexibility of mind, can easily be used or manipulated in non-kinetic engagements. These social platforms, as an essential part of their lives, are used as tools of disseminating disinformation and propaganda. In cyberspace, state-sponsored individuals can easily spread posts that suit the subject’s emotions, thus taking advantage of the weakness of young and vulnerable persons. The effects of such continuous manipulation are cumulative, as the clients are either radicalized or develop mental disorders. Again, the youth find themselves in the middle of a game they do not understand; they are just being used for a purpose. They are formed by the kind of stories they read or the kind of stories they are a part of and by the ideologies they embrace.
The Asian region in particular has since transformed into a theater of non-kinetic operations due to its geopolitics. China’s BRI, India’s digital economy growth, and South East Asia’s social media vulnerability have made it easy to take advantage of. Politicians, businesspeople, civil servants, and other stakeholders re using these platforms to advance their agendas against the sovereignty of youths.
It can therefore be argued that the effects of non-kinetic warfare among Asian youths are complex. This is not to mention the risk of radicalization, mental health problems, erosion of social cohesiveness, and economic costs. Prolonged toxicity of such disinformation and manipulation impacts upon the psychological health of a population and causes anxiety, stress, and depression. Social connections are severed, resulting in the emergence of cleavages and a loss of confidence in organizations. In order to effectively combat the relatively new form of warfare that non-kinetic warfare is, the Asian states need to develop an integrated strategy. Counter narratives, cyber security, digital literacy, and institutional trust comprise an important part of this approach. It is possible to educate the youth on how to think critically and how to be safe when using digital technologies, as well as how to be media literate.
Extending computer security, preserving personal information, and encouraging practices that can guard against web threats can save oneself from cyber theft. Dissemination of the information, which is opposite to misinformation and disinformation, and propagation of the counter-narratives may help prevent people from being influenced by propaganda. Building trust in institutions, encouraging the improvement of transparency and accountability, and, in general, increasing the representation of the members will lead to a feeling of togetherness and the overall purpose of the community. This way we realize a better, stronger, well-informed and one community for the younger generations of Asian states.
The risk is thus real, and the influence of other non-kinetic warfare on the young people of the Asian states cannot be overemphasized. This means that it is the turn of the culture to do something to teach, to shield, and to equip. For our youth and, by extension, our nations, this is the only guarantee if we want to transform our future. Given that the threat of non-kinetic warfare (NKW) is replete with Asian states, it is appropriate to consider future prospects in order to counter this phenomenon and avoid its catastrophic consequences. Informing the young people about safety, how to reason, and how to decode information they come across on the internet will go a long way in helping them. This means that measures such as developing stronger cyber defense, involving good security measures, and boosting drills against cyber threats may be useful in stopping the cyber threats.
Using counter-narratives is a way to challenge and neutralize the role of disinformation and propaganda to interpret the world. However, an attempt can be made on using the AI tools to identify the NKW attacks and escape the clutches of the adversaries. The integration of all regional actors to form cooperation and sharing of information with regard to the NKW threat possesses a better capability towards a common approach to threat elimination.
It can be seen that the future development of NKW countermeasures is based on technology, education, and cooperation. Thus, cooperating and supporting Asian states will be able to constitute an effective barrier against NKW and a better future for the next generations.
Teaching people and communities how to be strong-willed, mentally stable, and healthy would cause them not to fall prey to the artistry of NKW. Adopting good legal systems can go a long way in checking people peddling fake information and other related offenses. Working together with various organizations in the private sector can harness skills, funds, and creativity to neutralize NKW threats. This NKW and its consequences can be mitigated with the help of enhancing cooperation and norms on the international level. Thus, one can state that the continuous R&D in the domain of NKW countermeasures can guarantee that the enemy will not be able to get the upper hand. Rubric of reconstructing future possibilities Asian states can prepare and strengthen them against the adversities of non-kinetic warfare and, in effect, protect the future generation of the region.
It can be seen that the future development of NKW countermeasures is based on technology, education, and cooperation. Thus, cooperating and supporting Asian states will be able to constitute an effective barrier against NKW and a better future for the next generations.
