Fear and loathing in Luhansk

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Abstract

This article is an exploration of Psychological Operations, focusing on both the role which fear plays in Psychological Operations, and how the Russian Federation employed Psychological Operations in the War in Ukraine (2014–2021). A qualitative methodology is used to explore fear as a neurological, psychological and social phenomenon, and how it may be utilised in Psychological Operations. The author finds that Russia’s initial use of Psychological Operations was focused on making tactical gains against the Ukrainian military. Shock tactics, combined with strategic messaging, encouraged mass defections from the Ukrainian army and border guard, significantly degrading the combat effectiveness of Kyiv’s forces, and increasing the likelihood of victory for the Donbass secessionists. The case study is limited in scope to 2014–2021. The paper can thus be read as both an analysis of one element of Russia’s shaping phase prior to the 2022 invasion, and/or a framework for analysing the current stage of conflict.

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