Disinformation & Hybrid Warfare Countermeasures Training Course

Introduction

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, mastering Disinformation & Hybrid Warfare Countermeasures is absolutely crucial for international relations experts, national security professionals, policymakers, and communications specialists seeking to defend against evolving threats to democratic processes, societal cohesion, and national stability. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip government officials, military personnel, intelligence analysts, diplomats, media professionals, and civil society actors with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for identifying, analyzing, and countering sophisticated disinformation campaigns and hybrid threats. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by state and non-state actors in information warfare, the psychological effects of propaganda, strategies for enhancing societal resilience against manipulation, and the critical role of strategic communications in maintaining public trust. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, current real-world case studies of disinformation and hybrid operations, and best practices from international organizations and national defense strategies, empowering you to build robust defenses and foster information integrity.

This strategic communications and threat intelligence course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond reactive responses towards a proactive, multi-layered approach to combating malign influence operations. Mastering disinformation detection methodologies, implementing effective counter-propaganda strategies, and understanding whole-of-society approaches to hybrid warfare are indispensable for protecting critical information environments, preserving public discourse, mitigating social polarization, and ensuring national security. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic resilience building and information defense, positioning your organization at the forefront of countering contemporary threats and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced national security, informed citizenry, and resilient democratic institutions.

Target Audience

• Government & Public Sector Officials
• Military & Intelligence Personnel
• Diplomats & Foreign Policy Advisors
• Strategic Communications & PR Professionals
• Media & Journalism Professionals
• Civil Society & NGO Leaders
• Cybersecurity & Information Security Specialists

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of disinformation, misinformation, and hybrid warfare.
• Learn about the historical context and evolution of information warfare and propaganda.
• Master the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in modern disinformation campaigns.
• Develop proficiency in identifying and analyzing various forms of hybrid threats.
• Explore best practices for detecting and debunking false narratives and manipulated content.
• Understand the critical aspects of psychological operations and their impact on target audiences.
• Learn about robust strategies for building societal resilience against malign influence.
• Identify the critical role of strategic communications in countering disinformation.
• Develop skills in crafting effective counter-narratives and proactive messaging.
• Understand the legal and ethical considerations in combating disinformation and hybrid threats.
• Explore strategies for international cooperation and information sharing to counter these threats.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive disinformation and hybrid warfare countermeasures.
• Position yourself as a leader in protecting information environments and enhancing national security.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Understanding Disinformation, Misinformation & Hybrid Warfare

• Defining disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation
• The concept of hybrid warfare: blending conventional, unconventional, and cyber tactics
• The role of the information domain in modern conflict and competition
• Key characteristics of current disinformation campaigns: scale, speed, sophistication
• Impact of information manipulation on democracy, public trust, and social cohesion

Module 2. Evolution & Tactics of Information Warfare

• Historical precedents of propaganda and psychological operations (PsyOps)
• Development of modern information warfare doctrines
• Tactics used in disinformation campaigns: fake news, deepfakes, astroturfing, propaganda
• Exploitating social media platforms and online ecosystems for influence
• Case studies of prominent disinformation operations

Module 3. Identifying & Analyzing Disinformation Campaigns

• Methodologies for detecting false narratives and manipulated content
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques for investigating disinformation
• Fact-checking and verification processes for online information
• Analyzing actor networks, attribution challenges, and intent
• Tools and technologies for automated disinformation detection

Module 4. Hybrid Threats & Their Components

• Defining hybrid threats: combining military, non-military, overt, and covert means
• Components of hybrid warfare: cyber attacks, economic coercion, political subversion, information manipulation
• Targeting critical infrastructure and exploiting societal vulnerabilities
• Gray zone operations: actions below the threshold of armed conflict
• Case studies of hybrid aggression

Module 5. Countering Disinformation: Strategic Communications & Narratives

• Principles of effective strategic communications in contested information environments
• Developing compelling counter-narratives and proactive messaging
• The importance of transparency, credibility, and consistency in official communication
• Engaging with media, civil society, and the public to build trust
• Crisis communication strategies during information attacks

Module 6. Building Societal Resilience & Whole-of-Society Approaches

• Media and information literacy (MIL) education for citizens
• Strengthening independent journalism and supporting fact-checking initiatives
• Fostering critical thinking skills and digital literacy across populations
• The role of civil society, academia, and the private sector in resilience building
• Developing national strategies for countering hybrid threats

Module 7. International Cooperation & Future Trends

• International frameworks and alliances for countering disinformation and hybrid warfare (e.g., NATO, EU)
• Information sharing mechanisms and joint threat analysis
• Legal and ethical considerations in offensive and defensive information operations
• The impact of emerging technologies (AI, quantum computing) on future threats
• Future directions in countermeasures and proactive defense strategies

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.