France`s top general announces necessity to control public opinion
Date
6/24/2024 5:38:06 AM
(MENAFN) French army General Pierre Schill has underscored the critical importance of controlling public opinion in modern warfare, asserting that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has fundamentally reshaped combat strategies by emphasizing the need to regulate information dissemination. In an interview published by Defense News on Sunday, General Schill highlighted significant transformations in battlefield tactics, including increased use of drones and adaptation of civilian technologies by military forces. He stressed that alongside these tactical advancements, the ability to influence both national and international public opinion through controlled information flows has become paramount.
General Schill emphasized the pivotal role of the military in the information domain, asserting that without effective persuasion and countering of adversarial influences, military engagements risk failure. He pointed to the amplifying effect of social networks, which accelerate the spread of information—whether accurate or misleading—across broader audiences with unprecedented speed and impact.
The remarks from General Schill precede this week's Eurosatory defense and security conference in Paris, where discussions on evolving military strategies and technological innovations are expected to take center stage. His comments come amid observations that Western media and governments have maintained a unified narrative regarding Ukraine, despite challenges in sustaining public support for ongoing conflict efforts. A Harris Poll report earlier this year revealed a significant portion of Americans advocating for diplomatic resolutions over military escalation in Ukraine, reflecting broader sentiments questioning the efficacy and sustainability of current Western approaches.
Critics, including former United States diplomats Michael Gfoeller and David Rundell, have previously cautioned against what they perceive as an overly aggressive Western "propaganda machine" in the Ukraine crisis, suggesting that such tactics may have exceeded their intended impact. General Schill's statements contribute to ongoing debates about the ethical and strategic implications of information management in contemporary warfare, underscoring the complexities faced by military and political leaders in navigating global perceptions and public opinion amidst complex geopolitical challenges.
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