You are cordially invited to a presentation on the topic:
What is Information Warfare?
with
Ms. Catherine A. Theohary
Monday, April 13th
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Institute of World Politics
Commodore John Barry Room
1521 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C.
Parking
About the lecture: The use of information as a weapon of war is as old as recorded history. In the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, Persian ruler Xerxes used intimidation tactics to break the will of Greek city-states. Alexander the Great used cultural assimilation to subdue dissent and maintain conquered lands. Military scholars trace the modern use of information as a tool in guerrilla warfare to fifth-century BC Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War and its emphasis on accurate intelligence for decision superiority over a mightier foe. These ancient strategists helped to lay the foundation for information warfare strategy in modern times; yet information warfare is a relatively poorly understood concept in the United States, with several other terms being used to describe the same or similar sets of activity. This presentation will examine terms, doctrine, and organizations related to information warfare and will provide a conceptual framework for understanding information as an instrument of national power.
About the speaker: Catherine A. Theohary is the Specialist in National Security Policy, Cyber and Information Operations at the Congressional Research Service (CRS). In this capacity, she provides non-partisan analysis to Members of the United States Congress, congressional committees, and staff. Ms. Theohary’s current focus is on information warfare strategy, cyber-enabled information operations, and deterrence in cyberspace. She is a member of professional trade associations and advisory councils related to information operations and was an editor of the IO Journal, the peer-reviewed publication of the Association of Old Crow’s Information Operations Institute. Prior to joining CRS, Ms. Theohary was a research associate with the National Defense University’s Center for Technology and National Security Policy where she conducted studies on the national security implications of cyber threats. Previously, Ms. Theohary held several positions within the Department of Defense, specializing in conventional arms control and foreign military sales. Ms. Theohary holds a Master of Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
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