Dissecting Deception Operations. A Longitudinal Analysis

Abstract As the ongoing conflict in Ukraine demonstrates, deception tactics remain a critical component of military plans, especially on the modern battlefield, which is rich in sensors and information from multiple sources. As it is harder to conceal forces and prevent detection, armed forces must concentrate on hiding their intentions in order to gain surprise and preserve weaknesses. In this endeavour, deception continues to be essential. But in a time of ubiquitous information and rapid technological advancement, successful deception has become more challenging, but also more critical than ever. Through a qualitative analysis, the study seeks to offer a deeper comprehension of its underlying mechanisms in this particular context. This longitudinal research examines a variety of written sources after the 2nd World War until today to identify common topics in planning and executing successful deception operations in order to overcome the challenges of today’s transparent battlefield.