State, military and information warfare nexus: a conceptual perspective from South Asia

This paper questions the efficacy of the notion of information warfare (IW) due to implicit militaristic nuances which critically impact on its application as a policy instrument for optimum effects in dynamic sociopolitical spheres. The argument is then contextualized into Indo-Pakistan socio-political environment to ascertain its veracity. Findings reveal structural and functional shortfalls of IW as an operating concept suited only as a warfare device to the detriment of a larger public good. The paper suggests exploiting a vast target audience containing sympathetic constituencies in the two countries through a multi-sphered appeal of soft power guided by argumentative and democratic discourses and the heritage of peace, pluralism, and co-existence.