Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) are among the most critical elements of modern warfare and security strategies, aiming to create influence without the direct use of weapons. This concept encompasses carefully planned activities designed to shape the thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors of target audiences. In today’s conflicts, the battlefield is no longer limited to physical terrain; societies, public opinion, and individual minds have become central arenas of competition. The primary objective of psychological operations is to undermine the enemy’s morale, influence decision-making processes, and weaken resistance, while simultaneously strengthening trust and support among friendly and neutral audiences.

Psychological operations include information dissemination, perception management, propaganda, counter-propaganda, and combating disinformation. These activities are typically conducted in support of military operations and are implemented through media channels, social platforms, publications, broadcasts, and symbolic messaging. Historically, psychological operations gained strategic importance particularly from the 20th century onward and have since become an indispensable tool of state power. With the rise of digital technologies, this field has expanded significantly, bringing information warfare to the forefront. Psychological operations are often invisible, yet they possess the ability to shape outcomes before physical conflicts even begin, making them one of the most effective instruments of modern conflict.