Understanding Political Information Warfare for Businesses

Course Title: Understanding Political Information Warfare for Businesses

Duration: 10 Hours (8 Hours of Video & Quizzes)
Format: Online, Self-Paced
Target Audience: Business Executives & Security Professionals
Instructor: Richard Bingley FHEA PGCLTHE. Former UK government ministerial events and media officer 2003 – 2010. Author of award-nominated book ‘Combatting Cyber Terrorism’ (2024). Senior Lecturer in Crisis Communications and Business Continuity.  

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Political Information Warfare (1 Hour)

• Definition and scope of political information warfare
• Key concepts: Misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda
• Introductory case studies: Historical and contemporary examples 

Module 2: Media Channels & Influencers (1.5 Hours)

• Traditional vs. digital media in shaping public perception
• The role of social media influencers in information campaigns
• Celebrities and the Arts
• State vs. non-state actors in media warfare
• Case Study: Information warfare techniques used by ‘modern’ Russia

Module 3: Manipulation Frameworks and 'Soft Underbellies' - the targeting of Civil Society & Prominent Cultural Influencers (1.5 Hours)

• How civil society groups are targeted and co-opted
• Arts, culture, and entertainment as information warfare tools
• Psychological operations (PsyOps) and narrative framing
• Case Study: The Arts and NGOs during the Cold War

Module 4: Communications Frameworks & Techniques (1 Hour)

• Overview of strategic communication models – democracy or totalitarian?
• Narrative control, framing, and agenda-setting theory
• Techniques used in corporate, political, and military domains
• Ethical considerations for businesses
• Building your own Fact Checking. How do we know if something is balanced? Summary of criteria and clues to look out for

Module 5: Modern Information Warfare Tactics (1.5 Hours)

• Cyber-enabled misinformation and AI-driven disinformation
• Hybrid political warfare: Combining traditional and cyber techniques
• Case Study: Techniques used in recent USA campaigns and presidencies

Module 6: Business Preparedness & Lawful Response (1 Hour)

• Identifying information threats to businesses
• Rebuttal. Best practices for countering misinformation and disinformation
• Legal and regulatory considerations for businesses
• Case Study: Real-world examples of businesses managing information threats

Final Module: Examination & Strategic Action Plan (1.5 Hours)

• Developing a business strategy for resilience against information threats
• Practical exercises in identifying and countering information warfare tactics
• Multiple choice quiz to consolidate learning

Course Features:

✅ 8 Hours of Video Lectures
✅ Case Studies & Real-World Examples
✅ Interactive Quizzes & Knowledge Checks
✅ Final Examination & Certification

Fee: £499 + VAT